Issue 32, August 15, 2017

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CDC Science Clips: Volume 9, Issue 32, August 15, 2017

Science Clips is produced weekly to enhance awareness of emerging scientific knowledge for the public health community. Each article features an Altmetric Attention scoreExternal to track social and mainstream media mentions!

The report consists of these components:

  1. Key Scientific Articles in Selected Topic Areas
    • Occupational Safety and Health

      1. Comprehensive worksite health promotion programsCdc-pdfExternal
        Goetzel RZ, Roemer E, Kent K, Smith KJ.
        . 2013 .

        [No abstract]

      2. Perceived workplace health support is associated with employee productivityExternal
        Chen L, Hannon PA, Laing SS, Kohn MJ, Clark K, Pritchard S, Harris JR.
        Am J Health Promot. 2015 Jan-Feb;29(3):139-46.

        PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between perceived workplace health support and employee productivity. DESIGN: A quantitative cross-sectional study. SETTING: Washington State agencies. SUBJECTS: A total of 3528 employees from six state agencies were included in this analysis. MEASURES: Perceived workplace health support was assessed by two questions that queried respondents on how often they felt supported by the workplace for healthy living and physical activity. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire was used to measure health-related absenteeism and presenteeism in the past 7 days. ANALYSIS: Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the mean differences in productivity by levels of perceived health support. RESULTS: Most participants were between 45 and 64 years of age and were predominantly non-Hispanic white. Presenteeism varied significantly by the level of perceived workplace health support, with those who felt least supported having higher presenteeism than those who felt most supported. The difference in presenteeism by perceived workplace support remained significant in models adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics (mean difference: 7.1% for support for healthy living, 95% confidence interval: 3.7%, 10.4%; 4.3% for support for physical activity, 95% confidence interval: 1.7%, 6.8%). Absenteeism was not associated with perceived workplace health support. CONCLUSION: Higher perceived workplace health support is independently associated with higher work productivity. Employers may see productivity benefit from wellness programs through improved perceptions of workplace health support.

      3. The influence of health literacy on reach, retention, and success in a worksite weight loss programExternal
        Zoellner J, You W, Almeida F, Blackman KC, Harden S, Glasgow RE, Linnan L, Hill JL, Estabrooks PA.
        Am J Health Promot. 2016 Mar;30(4):279-82.

        PURPOSE: To examine if employee health literacy (HL) status moderated reach, retention, and weight outcomes in a worksite weight loss program. DESIGN: The study was a two-group cluster randomized controlled weight loss trial. SETTING: The study was conducted in 28 worksites. SUBJECTS: Subjects comprised 1460 employees with a body mass index >25 kg/m(2). INTERVENTIONS: Two 12-month weight loss interventions targeted diet and physical activity behaviors: incentaHEALTH (INCENT; incentivized individually targeted Internet-based intervention) and Livin’ My Weigh (LMW; less-intense quarterly newsletters). MEASURES: A validated three-item HL screening measure was self-completed at baseline. Weight was objectively assessed with the Health Spot scale at baseline and 12-month follow-up. ANALYSIS: The impact of HL on program effectiveness was assessed through fixed-effect parametric models that controlled for individual (i.e., age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education) and worksite random effects. RESULTS: Enrolled employees had significantly higher HL status [13.54 (1.68)] as compared to unenrolled [13.04 (2.17)] (p < .001). This finding was consistent in both interventions. Also, HL moderated weight loss effects (beta = .66; SE = 027; p = .014) and losing >5% weight (beta = -1.53; SE = .77; p < .047). For those with lower baseline HL, the INCENT intervention produced greater weight loss outcomes compared to LMW. The HL level of employees retained was not significantly different from those lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: HL influences reach and moderates weight effects. These findings underscore the need to integrate recruitment strategies and further evaluate programmatic approaches that attend to the needs of low-HL audiences.

      4. Recommendations for worksite-based interventions to improve workers’ healthExternal
        Task Force on Community Preventive Services.
        Am J Prev Med. 2010 Feb;38(2 Suppl):S232-6.

        [No abstract]

      5. The effectiveness of total worker health interventions: A systematic review for a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention workshopExternal
        Feltner C, Peterson K, Palmieri Weber R, Cluff L, Coker-Schwimmer E, Viswanathan M, Lohr KN.
        Ann Intern Med. 2016 Aug 16;165(4):262-9.

        BACKGROUND: The Total Worker Health (TWH) program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health aims to advance worker well-being by integrating injury and illness prevention efforts with work-related safety and health hazard efforts. PURPOSE: To evaluate evidence on the benefits and harms of integrated TWH interventions. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO (January 1990 through September 2015); clinical trial registries; and reference lists. STUDY SELECTION: English-language studies that enrolled employed adults and compared integrated interventions with usual work practice, no intervention, or another intervention. DATA EXTRACTION: Dual abstraction and risk-of-bias (ROB) assessment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten of the 15 included studies had high ROB, primarily because of selection and attrition bias. Findings graded as having low strength of evidence (SOE) supported the effectiveness of TWH interventions for improving smoking cessation, as measured by self-reported 7-day abstinence over 22 to 26 weeks (2 randomized, controlled trials [RCTs]; n = 737), and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables over 26 to 104 weeks (3 RCTs; n = 6056); results apply to populations of blue-collar manufacturing and construction workers. Findings graded as having low SOE supported the effectiveness of TWH interventions for reducing sedentary work behavior in office workers over 16 to 52 weeks (2 RCTs; n = 262). Evidence was insufficient or lacking for other outcomes of interest, such as rates of work injuries, quality of life, and harms. LIMITATION: Small, diverse body of evidence with many methodological limitations; possible publication bias. CONCLUSION: Integrated TWH interventions might improve health behaviors (for example, reduce tobacco use and sedentary behavior and improve diet) of workers, but effects of these interventions on injuries and overall quality of life are not known. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

      6. Workplace wellness programs can generate savingsExternal
        Baicker K, Cutler D, Song Z.
        Health Aff (Millwood). 2010 Feb;29(2):304-11.

        Amid soaring health spending, there is growing interest in workplace disease prevention and wellness programs to improve health and lower costs. In a critical meta-analysis of the literature on costs and savings associated with such programs, we found that medical costs fall by about $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs and that absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent. Although further exploration of the mechanisms at work and broader applicability of the findings is needed, this return on investment suggests that the wider adoption of such programs could prove beneficial for budgets and productivity as well as health outcomes.

      7. The existence of important socioeconomic disparities in health and mortality is a well-established fact. Many pathways have been adduced to explain inequality in life spans. In this article we examine one factor that has been somewhat neglected: People with different levels of education get sorted into jobs with different degrees of exposure to workplace attributes that contribute to poor health. We used General Social Survey data to estimate differential exposures to workplace conditions, results from a meta-analysis that estimated the effect of workplace conditions on mortality, and a model that permitted us to estimate the overall effects of workplace practices on health. We conclude that 10-38 percent of the difference in life expectancy across demographic groups can be explained by the different job conditions their members experience.

      8. Tracking the market performance of companies that integrate a culture of health and safety: An assessment of corporate health achievement award applicantsExternal
        Fabius R, Loeppke RR, Hohn T, Fabius D, Eisenberg B, Konicki DL, Larson P.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Jan;58(1):3-8.

        OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that stock market performance of companies achieving high scores on either health or safety in the Corporate Health Achievement Award (CHAA) process will be superior to average index performance. METHODS: The stock market performance of portfolios of CHAA winners was examined under six different scenarios using simulation and past market performance in tests of association framed to inform the investor community. RESULTS: CHAA portfolios out-performed the S&P average on all tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the growing evidence that a healthy and safe workforce correlates with a company’s performance and its ability to provide positive returns to shareholders. It advances the idea that a proven set of health and safety metrics based on the CHAA evaluation process merits inclusion with existing measures for market valuation.

      9. Do workplace health promotion (wellness) programs work?External
        Goetzel RZ, Henke RM, Tabrizi M, Pelletier KR, Loeppke R, Ballard DW, Grossmeier J, Anderson DR, Yach D, Kelly RK, McCalister T, Serxner S, Selecky C, Shallenberger LG, Fries JF, Baase C, Isaac F, Crighton KA, Wald P, Exum E, Shurney D, Metz RD.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Sep;56(9):927-34.

        OBJECTIVE: To respond to the question, “Do workplace health promotion programs work?” METHODS: A compilation of the evidence on workplace programs’ effectiveness coupled with recommendations for critical review of outcome studies. Also, reviewed are recent studies questioning the value of workplace programs. RESULTS: Evidence accumulated over the past three decades shows that well-designed and well-executed programs that are founded on evidence-based principles can achieve positive health and financial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Employers seeking a program that “works” are urged to consider their goals and whether they have an organizational culture that can facilitate success. Employers who choose to adopt a health promotion program should use best and promising practices to maximize the likelihood of achieving positive results.

      10. Linking workplace health promotion best practices and organizational financial performance: Tracking market performance of companies with highest scores on the HERO scorecardExternal
        Grossmeier J, Fabius R, Flynn JP, Noeldner SP, Fabius D, Goetzel RZ, Anderson DR.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Jan;58(1):16-23.

        OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the stock performance of publicly traded companies that received high scores on the HERO Employee Health Management Best Practices Scorecard in Collaboration with Mercer(c) based on their implementation of evidence-based workplace health promotion practices. METHODS: A portfolio of companies that received high scores in a corporate health and wellness self-assessment was simulated based on past market performance and compared with past performance of companies represented on the Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index. RESULTS: Stock values for a portfolio of companies that received high scores in a corporate health and wellness self-assessment appreciated by 235% compared with the S&P 500 Index appreciation of 159% over a 6-year simulation period. CONCLUSIONS: Robust investment in workforce health and well-being appears to be one of multiple practices pursued by high-performing, well-managed companies.

      11. Promoting healthy workplaces by building cultures of health and applying strategic communicationsExternal
        Kent K, Goetzel RZ, Roemer EC, Prasad A, Freundlich N.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Feb;58(2):114-22.

        OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify key success elements of employer-sponsored health promotion (wellness) programs. METHODS: We conducted an updated literature review, held discussions with subject matter experts, and visited nine companies with exemplary programs to examine current best and promising practices in workplace health promotion programs. RESULTS: Best practices include establishing a culture of health and using strategic communications. Key elements that contribute to a culture of health are leadership commitment, social and physical environmental support, and employee involvement. Strategic communications are designed to educate, motivate, market offerings, and build trust. They are tailored and targeted, multichanneled, bidirectional, with optimum timing, frequency, and placement. CONCLUSIONS: Increased efforts are needed to disseminate lessons learned from employers who have built cultures of health and excellent communications strategies and apply these insights more broadly in workplace settings.

      12. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Findings from the National Healthy Worksite ProgramExternal
        Lang J, Cluff L, Payne J, Matson-Koffman D, Hampton J.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2017 Jul;59(7):631-641.

        OBJECTIVE: To evaluate employers’ implementation of evidence-based interventions, and changes in employees’ behaviors associated with participating in the national healthy worksite program (NHWP). METHODS: NHWP recruited 100 small and mid-sized employers and provided training and support for 18 months. Outcome measures were collected with an employer questionnaire, an employee survey, and biometric data at baseline and 18 months later. RESULTS: The 41 employers who completed the NHWP implemented significantly more evidence-based interventions and had more comprehensive worksite health promotion programs after participating. Employees made significant improvements in physical activity and nutritional behaviors, but did not significantly improve employee weight. CONCLUSIONS: Training and technical support can help small and mid-sized employers implement evidence-based health interventions to promote positive employee behavior changes. A longer follow up period may be needed to assess whether NHWP led to improvements in clinical outcomes.

      13. The NIOSH Total Worker Health Program: An overviewExternal
        Schill AL, Chosewood LC.
        J Occup Environ Med. 2013 Dec;55(12 Suppl):S8-11.

        OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to provide an overview of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health (TWH) Program that was launched by the institute in 2011. METHODS: This article describes the TWH concept, relevant issues, and the NIOSH Program. Examples of the concept are provided. RESULTS: Total Worker Health is a strategy integrating occupational safety and health protection with health promotion to prevent worker injury and illness and to advance health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The NIOSH TWH Program responds to demands for information and practical solutions to the health, safety, and well-being challenges that workers and their employers face. It also addresses issues related to the nation’s need to sustain a globally competitive workforce.

      14. A multilevel health promotion intervention in minority-owned workplacesExternal
        Bowen DJ, Briant KJ, Harris J, Hannon P, Buchwald D.
        J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2015 Dec;2(4):457-64.

        INTRODUCTION: Changing health behaviors and health-related environments is important in reducing chronic disease. Minority workplaces are potential venues to provide regular, effective health promotion opportunities to underserved individuals. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of changing workplace policy, programs, and practices in minority-owned workplaces. METHODS: Four minority Native American-owned businesses were recruited to participate in this study. The intervention was a set of recommended standards and guidelines gleaned from the US Preventive Task Force and The Community Guide relevant to workplaces. Each workplace selected between 4 and 6 target areas to improve over the year-long intervention period. The evaluation tool was a semi-structured survey conducted at baseline and at one-year follow-up, with workplace staff responsible for benefits and services to employees. Feasibility was evaluated by assessing the likelihood that the workplaces implemented health promotion activities in the year-long intervention. RESULTS: Several practices and policies changed significantly during the intervention in the four workplaces, including coverage for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), elimination of out of pocket costs for screening and tobacco cessation, accountability systems for providers, posted stair use, cessation line availability that included NRT, offering weight loss programs, offering physical activity programs, and conducting targeted communication programs about health promotion. Other practices and polices changed in the expected direction, but were not significant. CONCLUSION: Changing workplace programs, practices, and policies is feasible in minority workplaces, with support and tools provided by outside organizations. These findings could drive a full-scale test of the intervention in minority businesses in order to improve the health of disadvantaged workers.

      15. Comparing 2 national organization-level workplace health promotion and improvement tools, 2013-2015External
        Meador A, Lang JE, Davis WD, Jones-Jack NH, Mukhtar Q, Lu H, Acharya SD, Molloy ME.
        Prev Chronic Dis. 2016 Sep 29;13:E136.

        Creating healthy workplaces is becoming more common. Half of employers that have more than 50 employees offer some type of workplace health promotion program. Few employers implement comprehensive evidence-based interventions that reach all employees and achieve desired health and cost outcomes. A few organization-level assessment and benchmarking tools have emerged to help employers evaluate the comprehensiveness and rigor of their health promotion offerings. Even fewer tools exist that combine assessment with technical assistance and guidance to implement evidence-based practices. Our descriptive analysis compares 2 such tools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Worksite Health ScoreCard and Prevention Partners’ WorkHealthy America, and presents data from both to describe workplace health promotion practices across the United States. These tools are reaching employers of all types (N = 1,797), and many employers are using a comprehensive approach (85% of those using WorkHealthy America and 45% of those using the ScoreCard), increasing program effectiveness and impact.

  2. CDC Authored Publications
    The names of CDC authors are indicated in bold text.
    Articles published in the past 6-8 weeks authored by CDC or ATSDR staff.
    • Chronic Diseases and Conditions
      1. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We reviewed published literature to determine the relationship between A1c and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and summarize the need and implications for CVD risk reduction with interventions, focusing in the prediabetic A1c range (<6.5%). RECENT FINDINGS: Strong evidence supports a continuous relationship between A1c and CVD-even below the current levels of A1c-defined prediabetes and after adjustment for known risk factors for CVD. Clinical trials have demonstrated a reduction in CV morbidity and/or mortality when interventions are invoked in the prediabetic A1c range. Guidelines advocating CV risk factor management in prediabetes have not been widely adopted, subsequently leading to comparable coronary heart disease risk between people with prediabetes (HR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-2.1 vs normoglycemia) and diabetes itself (HR=2.0, 95% CI 1.8-2.2 vs no diabetes). This review highlights the missed opportunity to utilize multiple risk factor interventions to reduce CVD in high-risk people with prediabetes.

      2. Increased risk of myocardial infarction in HIV-infected individuals in North America compared with the general populationExternal
        Drozd DR, Kitahata MM, Althoff KN, Zhang J, Gange SJ, Napravnik S, Burkholder GA, Mathews WC, Silverberg MJ, Sterling TR, Heckbert SR, Budoff MJ, Van Rompaey S, Delaney JA, Wong C, Tong W, Palella FJ, Elion RA, Martin JN, Brooks JT, Jacobson LP, Eron JJ, Justice AC, Freiberg MS, Klein DB, Post WS, Saag MS, Moore RD, Crane HM.
        J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2017 Aug 15;75(5):568-576.

        BACKGROUND: Previous studies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among HIV-infected individuals have been limited by the inability to validate and differentiate atherosclerotic type 1 myocardial infarctions (T1MIs) from other events. We sought to define the incidence of T1MIs and risk attributable to traditional and HIV-specific factors among participants in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) and compare adjusted incidence rates (IRs) to the general population Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. METHODS: We ascertained and adjudicated incident MIs among individuals enrolled in 7 NA-ACCORD cohorts between 1995 and 2014. We calculated IRs, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), and 95% confidence intervals of risk factors for T1MI using Poisson regression. We compared aIRRs of T1MIs in NA-ACCORD with those from ARIC. RESULTS: Among 29,169 HIV-infected individuals, the IR for T1MIs was 2.57 (2.30 to 2.86) per 1000 person-years, and the aIRR was significantly higher compared with participants in ARIC [1.30 (1.09 to 1.56)]. In multivariable analysis restricted to HIV-infected individuals and including traditional CVD risk factors, the rate of T1MI increased with decreasing CD4 count [>/=500 cells/muL: ref; 350-499 cells/muL: aIRR = 1.32 (0.98 to 1.77); 200-349 cells/muL: aIRR = 1.37 (1.01 to 1.86); 100-199 cells/muL: aIRR = 1.60 (1.09 to 2.34); <100 cells/muL: aIRR = 2.19 (1.44 to 3.33)]. Risk associated with detectable HIV RNA [<400 copies/mL: ref; >/=400 copies/mL: aIRR = 1.36 (1.06 to 1.75)] was significantly increased only when CD4 was excluded. CONCLUSIONS: The higher incidence of T1MI in HIV-infected individuals and increased risk associated with lower CD4 count and detectable HIV RNA suggest that early suppressive antiretroviral treatment and aggressive management of traditional CVD risk factors are necessary to maximally reduce MI risk.

      3. Asthma morbidity, comorbidities, and modifiable factors among older adultsExternal
        Hsu J, Chen J, Mirabelli MC.
        J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017 Jul 19.

        BACKGROUND: Asthma morbidity is increased among older adults, especially older adult women. Interventions to improve asthma control in this population are not well described. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors (including modifiable factors) associated with asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department or urgent care center visits (ED/UCV) among older adults. A secondary objective was to investigate sex differences in variables relevant to asthma control. METHODS: Data were obtained from 14,076 older adults >/=65 years with active asthma participating in the 2006-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-back Survey (a random-digit dialed survey) in 40 US states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, representative of >2.6 million persons. Weighted, adjusted logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: One or more asthma-related hospitalizations in the past year were reported by 5.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.0% to 6.4%) of participants; 10.6% (95% CI = 9.7% to 11.5%) reported >/=1 asthma-related ED/UCV. Compared with older adults without asthma-related hospitalizations, adjusted odds were higher among those with >/=1 asthma-related hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, depression, cockroaches or mold in the home, and cost barriers to asthma-related health care or medication. All these factors, except for cockroaches, were associated with asthma-related ED/UCV. Compared with males, adjusted odds were higher among females for COPD, depression, obesity, and cost barriers to asthma-related health care or medication. CONCLUSIONS: Among older adults, asthma-related hospitalizations and ED/UCV were associated with clinical comorbidities, mold in the home, and financial barriers to asthma-related health care. Interventions addressing modifiable factors could reduce asthma morbidity among older adults.

      4. Surveillance of high-grade cervical cancer precursors (CIN III/AIS) in four population-based cancer registries, United States, 2009-2012External
        Watson M, Soman A, Flagg EW, Unger E, Deapen D, Chen VW, Peres LC, Copeland G, Tucker TC, Garnett E, Saraiya M.
        Prev Med. 2017 Jul 29.

        Surveillance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III (CIN III) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is important for determining the burden of a preventable disease, identifying effects of vaccination on future diagnoses, and developing targeted programs. We analyzed population-based rates of high-grade cervical cancer precursor lesions using data from four central cancer registries (diagnosis years 2009-2012 from Louisiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and diagnosis years 2011-2012 from Los Angeles) by age, race, and histology. We also compared rates of precursors to invasive cancers. With 4 complete years of data from Michigan, we were able to conduct a trend analysis for that state. Data analysis was conducted in Atlanta during 2016. Kentucky reported the highest rate of CIN III/AIS (69.8), followed by Michigan (55.4), Louisiana (42.3), and Los Angeles (19.2). CIN III/AIS rates declined among women in Michigan by 37% each year for women aged 15-19, 14% for those aged 20-24, and 7% for those aged 25-29. Rates of CIN III/AIS vary by registry, and were higher than invasive cancer. In Michigan, declines in CIN III/AIS among women aged 15-29 are likely related in part to updated screening recommendations, and to the impact of human papillomavirus vaccination.

    • Communicable Diseases

      1. A flow-based model of the HIV care continuum in the United StatesExternal
        Gonsalves GS, Paltiel AD, Cleary PD, Gill MJ, Kitahata MM, Rebeiro PF, Silverberg MJ, Horberg M, Abraham AG, Althoff KN, Moore R, Bosch RJ, Tang T, Hall HI, Kaplan EH.
        J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2017 Aug 15;75(5):548-553.

        BACKGROUND: Understanding the flow of patients through the continuum of HIV care is critical to determine how best to intervene so that the proportion of HIV-infected persons who are on antiretroviral treatment and virally suppressed is as large as possible. METHODS: Using immunological and virological data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design from 2009 to 2012, we estimated the distribution of time spent in and dropout probability from each stage in the continuum of HIV care. We used these estimates to develop a queueing model for the expected number of patients found in each stage of the cascade. RESULTS: HIV-infected individuals spend an average of about 3.1 months after HIV diagnosis before being linked to care, or dropping out of that stage of the continuum with a probability of 8%. Those who link to care wait an additional 3.7 months on average before getting their second set of laboratory results (indicating engagement in care) or dropping out of care with probability of almost 6%. Those engaged in care spent an average of almost 1 year before achieving viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy or dropping out with average probability 13%. For patients who achieved viral suppression, the average time suppressed on antiretroviral therapy was an average of 4.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions should be targeted to more rapidly identifying newly infected individuals, and increasing the fraction of those engaged in care that achieves viral suppression.

      2. PURPOSE: To assess impact of the 2009 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Pap guideline changes on chlamydia testing rates among sexually active young women. METHODS: The study included sexually active women aged 15-25 years enrolled in commercial health plans from 2005 to 2014. We identified sexually active women by diagnosis, procedure, and drug codes in inpatient, outpatient, and drug claims databases. We identified Pap tests and chlamydia tests among sexually active adolescents (15-20 years) and young adults (21-25 years) over time. Using piecewise regression models, we compared the change in chlamydia testing rates before and after 2009 ACOG guidelines. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2014, chlamydia testing rates in sexually active women increased from 23% to 37% among adolescents and from 24% to 43% among young adults. Although the overall increase in chlamydia testing was positive, the annual rate of change in chlamydia testing (slope) decreased significantly after the 2009 ACOG guideline change from 1.9% before to 1.0% after for adolescents (p < .05) and from 2.5% to 1.7% for young adults (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although chlamydia test rates are increasing among sexually active women aged 15-25 years from 2005 to 2014, the slower growth in chlamydia testing rate after 2009 may relate to the change in the Pap testing guidelines. Our finding that more than half of sexually active women aged 15-25 years did not have chlamydia testing and that the rate of increased chlamydia testing slowed after 2009 suggests that interventions to improve chlamydia testing apart from combining with Pap testing are still needed.

      3. The usefulness of individual-level HIV surveillance data to initiate statewide HIV partner services: Experiences from Hawaii and New MexicoExternal
        Beltrami J, Gans A, Wozniak M, Murphy J, Puesta B, Kennebrew D, Angie Allen M, O’Connor K.
        J Public Health Manag Pract. 2017 Jul 31.

        CONTEXT: Partner services are a broad array of services that should be offered to persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and that are based on a process through which HIV-infected persons are interviewed to elicit information about their sex and needle-sharing partners. Human immunodeficiency virus testing of partners can result in a high yield of newly diagnosed HIV positivity, but despite this yield and the benefits of partners knowing their exposures and HIV status, partner services are often not conducted. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the newly diagnosed HIV positivity and benefits to 2 health departments that conducted demonstration projects that focused on statewide HIV partner services. DESIGN: The main sources of information used for this case study analysis included the health department funding applications, progress reports and final reports submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and records of communications between Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the health departments. Required quantitative reporting included the number of partners tested and the number of partners with newly diagnosed confirmed HIV infection. Required qualitative reporting included how health departments benefited from their demonstration project activities. SETTING: Hawaii and New Mexico. PARTICIPANTS: Sex and needle-sharing partners of persons who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. INTERVENTION: The use of HIV surveillance data to initiate statewide HIV partner services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Newly diagnosed HIV positivity. RESULTS: During 2012-2015, the newly diagnosed HIV positivity among partners was 18% (78/427): 16% (17/108) in Hawaii and 19% (61/319) in New Mexico. The health departments benefited from improved collaborations among HIV prevention program and surveillance staff and among the health departments, providers, and AIDS service organizations. CONCLUSIONS: Hawaii and New Mexico each achieved a high newly diagnosed HIV positivity and benefited from improved local collaborations. As a result of the success of these projects, both health departments have continued the activities since the end of category C funding by securing alternative funding sources.

      4. HIV-associated mortality in the era of antiretroviral therapy scale-up – Nairobi, Kenya, 2015External
        Young PW, Kim AA, Wamicwe J, Nyagah L, Kiama C, Stover J, Oduor J, Rogena EA, Walong E, Zielinski-Gutierrez E, Imbwaga A, Sirengo M, Kellogg TA, De Cock KM.
        PLoS One. 2017 ;12(8):e0181837.

        BACKGROUND: Declines in HIV prevalence and increases in antiretroviral treatment coverage have been documented in Kenya, but population-level mortality associated with HIV has not been directly measured. In urban areas where a majority of deaths pass through mortuaries, mortuary-based studies have the potential to contribute to our understanding of excess mortality among HIV-infected persons. We used results from a cross-sectional mortuary-based HIV surveillance study to estimate the association between HIV and mortality for Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. METHODS AND FINDINGS: HIV seropositivity in cadavers measured at the two largest mortuaries in Nairobi was used to estimate HIV prevalence in adult deaths. Model-based estimates of the HIV-infected and uninfected population for Nairobi were used to calculate a standardized mortality ratio and population-attributable fraction for mortality among the infected versus uninfected population. Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess sensitivity to epidemiological assumptions. When standardized to the age and sex distribution of expected deaths, the estimated HIV positivity among adult deaths aged 15 years and above in Nairobi was 20.9% (95% CI 17.7-24.6%). The standardized mortality ratio of deaths among HIV-infected versus uninfected adults was 4.35 (95% CI 3.67-5.15), while the risk difference was 0.016 (95% CI 0.013-0.019). The HIV population attributable mortality fraction was 0.161 (95% CI 0.131-0.190). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated robustness of results. CONCLUSIONS: Although 73.6% of adult PLHIV receive antiretrovirals in Nairobi, their risk of death is four-fold greater than in the uninfected, while 16.1% of all adult deaths in the city can be attributed to HIV infection. In order to further reduce HIV-associated mortality, high-burden countries may need to reach very high levels of diagnosis, treatment coverage, retention in care, and viral suppression.

      5. Compare syphilis investigation yield among patient groups using number needed to interview. GOAL: To increase investigation efficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of North Carolina 2015 syphilis investigations, using the number of cases needed to interview (NNTI) and the total number of cases and contacts needed to interview (TNTI) to compare yield of new syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus diagnoses between patient groups. RESULTS: We reviewed 1646 early syphilis cases and 2181 contacts; these yielded 241 new syphilis cases (NNTI, 6.9; TNTI, 16.4) and 38 new human immunodeficiency virus cases (NNTI, 43). Interviews of women (prevalence difference [PD] = 6%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 12-16), patients <30 years old (PD = 5%, 95% CI, 1-8), and patients with titer >1:16 (PD = 5%, 95% CI, 1-9) yielded more new syphilis cases in our adjusted model; no other patient factors increased investigation yield. CONCLUSIONS: The NNTI and TNTI are useful measures of efficiency. Prioritizing early syphilis investigation by gender, rapid plasmin reagin titer, and age provides small increases in efficiency; no other factors increased efficiency.

    • Community Health Services
      1. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the number of men in the U.S. military who are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (MSM) to inform the development of military and other federal policies. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed data from the National Surveys of Family Growth to estimate the number of U.S. men who were gay, bisexual, or MSM, and who had served in the military, compared to those who did not serve. We stratified using hierarchical categories of gay, bisexual, and other MSM to compare proportions in the military and general population. RESULTS: We found that 4.23% of men self-reported as gay, bisexual, or other MSM among men who served in the military, compared to 4.14% among men who had not served (p = 0.93). When stratified, we found that 0.78% self-reported as gay among men who served in the military, compared to 2.12% among men who had not served (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of men who identified as a gay was lower in the military than in the general population. This finding might have been influenced by historical military policies related to sexual orientation.

    • Environmental Health

      1. Early life bisphenol A exposure and neurobehavior at 8 years of age: Identifying windows of heightened vulnerabilityExternal
        Stacy SL, Papandonatos GD, Calafat AM, Chen A, Yolton K, Lanphear BP, Braun JM.
        Environ Int. 2017 Jul 29.

        BACKGROUND: Early life BPA exposure could affect neurobehavior, but few studies have investigated whether there are developmental periods when the fetus or child is more vulnerable to these potential effects. OBJECTIVES: We explored windows of vulnerability to BPA exposure in a multiethnic cohort of 228 mothers and their children from Cincinnati, Ohio. METHODS: We measured urinary BPA concentrations at up to two prenatal and six postnatal time points from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy until the child was age 8years. At age 8years, we administered the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in composite scores from each instrument using a multiple informant model designed to identify heightened windows of vulnerability. RESULTS: Among all children, there was not strong evidence that the associations between BPA and neurobehavior varied by the timing of exposure (Visit x BPA p-values>/=0.16). However, child sex modified the associations of repeated BPA measures with BASC-2 scores (Visit x Sex x BPA p-values=0.02-0.23). For example, each 10-fold increase in prenatal BPA was associated with more externalizing behaviors in girls (beta=6.2, 95% CI: 0.8, 11.6), but not boys (beta=-0.8, 95% CI: -5.0, 3.4). In contrast, a 10-fold increase in 8-year BPA was associated with more externalizing behaviors in boys (beta=3.9, 95% CI: 0.6, 7.2), but not girls (beta=0.3, 95% CI: -3.5, 4.1). CONCLUSIONS: We found that sex-dependent associations between BPA and child neurobehavior may depend on the timing of BPA exposure.

    • Epidemiology and Surveillance

      1. [No abstract]

      2. NCHS DatalineExternal
        Smith SS.
        Public Health Rep. 2017 Jul-Aug;132(4):524-525.

        [No abstract]

    • Genetics and Genomics

      1. SNVPhyl: A single nucleotide variant phylogenomics pipeline for microbial genomic epidemiologyCdc-pdfExternal
        Petkau A, Mabon P, Sieffert C, Knox NC, Cabral J, Iskander M, Weedmark K, Zaheer R, Katz LS, Nadon C, Reimer A, Taboada E, Beiko RG, Hsiao W, Brinkman F, Graham M, Van Domselaar G.
        Microbial Genomics. 2017 ;3(6):000116.

        The recent widespread application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for microbial disease investigations has spurred the development of new bioinformatics tools, including a notable proliferation of phylogenomics pipelines designed for infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigation. Transitioning the use of WGS data out of the research laboratory and into the front lines of surveillance and outbreak response requires user-friendly, reproducible and scalable pipelines that have been well validated. Single Nucleotide Variant Phylogenomics (SNVPhyl) is a bioinformatics pipeline for identifying highquality single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and constructing a whole-genome phylogeny from a collection of WGS reads and a reference genome. Individual pipeline components are integrated into the Galaxy bioinformatics framework, enabling data analysis in a user-friendly, reproducible and scalable environment. We show that SNVPhyl can detect SNVs with high sensitivity and specificity, and identify and remove regions of high SNV density (indicative of recombination). SNVPhyl is able to correctly distinguish outbreak from non-outbreak isolates across a range of variant-calling settings, sequencing-coverage thresholds or in the presence of contamination. SNVPhyl is available as a Galaxy workflow, Docker and virtual machine images, and a Unix-based command-line application. SNVPhyl is released under the Apache 2.0 license and available at http://snvphyl.readthedocs.io/ or at https://github.com/phac-nml/snvphyl-galaxy.

      2. Two novel poxviruses with unusual genome rearrangements: NY_014 and MurmanskExternal
        Smithson C, Meyer H, Gigante CM, Gao J, Zhao H, Batra D, Damon I, Upton C, Li Y.
        Virus Genes. 2017 Jul 31.

        The genome sequence and annotation of two novel poxviruses, NY_014 and Murmansk, are presented. Despite being isolated on different continents and from different hosts, the viruses are relatively similar, albeit distinct species. The closest known relative of the novel viruses is Yoka poxvirus. Five novel genes were found in these genomes, two of which were MHC class I homologs. Although the core of these genomes was well conserved, the terminal regions showed significant variability with large deletions and surprising evidence of recombination with orthopoxviruses.

    • Health Behavior and Risk

      1. Adapting a psychosocial intervention for smartphone delivery to middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illnessExternal
        Whiteman KL, Lohman MC, Gill LE, Bruce ML, Bartels SJ.
        Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2017 Aug;25(8):819-828.

        OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of adapting an integrated medical and psychiatric self-management intervention to a smartphone application for middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illness using an adaptive systems engineering framework and user-centered design. METHODS: First, we determined the technical abilities and needs of middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illnesses using smartphones. Then, we developed smartphone content through principles of user-centered design and modified an existing smartphone platform. Finally, we conducted a usability test using “think aloud” and verbal probing. RESULTS: We adapted a psychosocial self-management intervention to a smartphone application and tested its usability. Ten participants (mean age: 55.3 years, SD: 6.2 years) with serious mental illness and comorbid chronic health conditions reported a high level of usability and satisfaction with the smartphone application. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illness and limited technical abilities were able to participate in a process involving user-centered design and adaptation of a self-management intervention to be delivered by a smartphone. High usability ratings suggest that middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illness have the potential to use tailored smartphone interventions. Future research is indicated to establish effectiveness and to determine the type and intensity of clinical support needed to successfully implement smartphone applications as a component of community-based services for older adults with psychiatric and medical conditions.

    • Immunity and Immunization

      1. Influences on immunization decision-making among US parents of young childrenExternal
        Chung Y, Schamel J, Fisher A, Frew PM.
        Matern Child Health J. 2017 Jul 28.

        Objectives This study assessed influences on vaccination decisions among parents of young children and examined common vaccination information and advice sources. Methods Using panel samples of parents of children under 7 years, web-based surveys were conducted in 2012 (n = 2603) and 2014 (n = 2518). A vaccine decision-making typology (non-hesitant acceptors, hesitant acceptors, delayers, and refusers) was established and weighted population estimates of potential factors influencing parental vaccination decision (e.g., provider influence, source of information and advice) were computed by year and decision type. Results Delayers and refusers were more likely than acceptors to know someone whose child experienced a severe reaction to a vaccine or delayed/refused vaccine(s). High proportions of delayers (2012: 33.4%, 2014: 33.9%) and refusers (2012: 49.6%, 2014: 58.6%) reported selecting their healthcare provider based on whether the provider would allow them to delay/refuse vaccines. Providers were the most frequently reported trusted vaccine information source among all parents, though more often by acceptors than refusers (2012, 2014: p < 0.01). We found differing patterns of provider advice-seeking and internet as a reliable vaccine information source by group. Among those who had considered delay/refusal, trust in their healthcare provider’s advice was the most common reason cited for their decision reversal. Conclusions for Practice Provider trust and communication along with varying degrees of personal-network influences likely contribute to immunization decisions of parents. Vaccine hesitant parents often seek providers amenable to accommodating their vaccine beliefs. Providers may benefit from vaccine communication training as their recommendations may influence hesitant parents to immunize their children.

      2. Risk factors for inadequate antibody response to primary rabies vaccination in dogs under one year of ageExternal
        Wallace RM, Pees A, Blanton JB, Moore SM.
        PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2017 Jul 31;11(7):e0005761.

        Ensuring the adequacy of response to rabies vaccination in dogs is important, particularly in the context of pet travel. Few studies have examined the factors associated with dogs’ failure to achieve an adequate antibody titer after vaccination (0.5 IU/ml). This study evaluated rabies antibody titers in dogs after primary vaccination. Dogs under one year of age whose serum was submitted to a reference laboratory for routine diagnostics, and which had no prior documented history of vaccination were enrolled (n = 8,011). Geometric mean titers (GMT) were calculated and univariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with failure to achieve 0.5 IU/mL. Dogs vaccinated at >16 weeks of age had a significantly higher GMT compared to dogs vaccinated at a younger age (1.64 IU/ml, 1.57-1.72, ANOVA p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in GMT between dogs vaccinated <12 weeks and dogs vaccinated 12-16 weeks (1.22 IU/ml and 1.21 IU/ml). The majority of dogs failed to reach an adequate titer within the first 3 days of primary vaccination; failure rates were also high if the interval from vaccination to titer check was greater than 90 days. Over 90% of dogs that failed primary vaccination were able to achieve adequate titers after booster vaccination. The ideal timing for blood draw is 8-30 days after primary vaccination. In the event of a failure, most dogs will achieve an adequate serologic response upon a repeat titer (in the absence of booster vaccination). Booster vaccination after failure provided the highest probability of an acceptable titer.

      3. Immunocapture isotope dilution mass spectrometry in response to a pandemic influenza threatExternal
        Pierce CL, Williams TL, Santana WI, Levine M, Chen LM, Cooper HC, Solano MI, Woolfitt AR, Marasco WA, Fang H, Donis RO, Barr JR.
        Vaccine. 2017 Jul 31.

        As a result of recent advances in mass spectrometry-based protein quantitation methods, these techniques are now poised to play a critical role in rapid formulation of pandemic influenza vaccines. Analytical techniques that have been developed and validated on seasonal influenza strains can be used to increase the quality and decrease the time required to deliver protective pandemic vaccines to the global population. The emergence of a potentially pandemic avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in March of 2013, prompted the US public health authorities and the vaccine industry to initiate production of a pre-pandemic vaccine for preparedness purposes. To this end, we evaluated the feasibility of using immunocapture isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IC-IDMS) to evaluate the suitability of the underlying monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (mAbs and pAbs) for their capacity to isolate the H7 hemagglutinin (HA) in this new vaccine for quantification by IDMS. A broad range of H7 capture efficiencies was observed among mAbs tested by IC-IDMS with FR-545, 46/6, and G3 A533 exhibiting the highest cross-reactivity capabilities to H7 of A/Shanghai/2/2013. MAb FR-545 was selected for continued assessment, evaluated by IC-IDMS for mAb reactivity against H7 in the H7N9 candidate vaccine virus and compared with/to reactivity to the reference polyclonal antiserum in allantoic fluid, purified whole virus, lyophilized whole virus and final detergent-split monovalent vaccine preparations for vaccine development. IC-IDMS assessment of FR-545 alongside IC-IDMS using the reference polyclonal antiserum to A/Shanghai/2/2013 and with the regulatory SRID method showed strong correlation and mAb IC-IDMS could have played an important role in the event a potential surrogate potency test was required to be rapidly implemented.

    • Injury and Violence
      1. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequencies and rates of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) emergency department (ED) visits, analyze the trend across the years, and compare sociodemographic characteristics of visits by mTBI type (ie, mTBI as the only injury, or present along with other injuries). DESIGN: Population-based descriptive study using data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2006-2012). METHODS: Joinpoint regression was used to calculate the average annual percent changes of mTBI incidence rates. Characteristics between isolated and nonisolated visits were compared, and the odds ratios were reported. RESULTS: The rate per 100 000 population of mTBI ED visits in the United States increased significantly from 569.4 (in 2006) to 807.9 (in 2012). The highest rates were observed in 0- to 4-year-olds, followed by male 15- to 24-year-olds and females 65 years and older; the lowest rates were among 45- to 64-year-olds. The majority (70%) of all visits were nonisolated and occurred more frequently in residents of metropolitan areas. Falls were the leading external cause. Most visits were privately insured or covered by Medicare/Medicaid, and the injury occurred on weekdays in predominantly metropolitan hospitals in the South region. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of mTBI in US EDs is high. Most mTBI ED visits present with other injuries. Awareness of sociodemographic factors associated with nonisolated mTBI may help improve diagnosis in US EDs. This information has implications for resource planning and mTBI screening in EDs.

      2. Physical abuse of childrenExternal
        Houry D.
        N Engl J Med. 2017 Jul 27;377(4):399.

        [No abstract]

    • Laboratory Sciences

      1. Implementing SLMTA in the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service: Lessons learnedExternal
        Wakaria EN, Rombo CO, Oduor M, Kambale SM, Tilock K, Kimani D, Makokha E, Mwamba PM, Mwangi J.
        African Journal of Laboratory Medicine. 2017 ;6(1).

        Background: The Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) is mandated to provide safe and sufficient blood and blood components for the country. In 2013, the KNBTS National Testing Laboratory and the six regional blood transfusion centres were enrolled in the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme. The process was supported by Global Communities with funding from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Methods: The SLMTA implementation at KNBTS followed the standard three-workshop series, on-site mentorships and audits. Baseline, midterm and exit audits were conducted at the seven facilities, using a standard checklist to measure progress. Given that SLMTA was designed for clinical and public health laboratories, key stakeholders, guided by Global Communities, tailored SLMTA materials to address blood transfusion services, and oriented trainers, auditors and mentors on the same. Results: The seven facilities moved from an average of zero stars at baseline to an average of three stars at the exit audit. The average baseline audit score was 38% (97 points), midterm 71% (183 points) and exit audit 79% (205 points). The Occurrence Management and Process Improvement quality system essential had the largest improvement (at 67 percentage points), from baseline to exit, whereas Facilities and Safety had the smallest improvement (at 31 percentage points). Conclusion: SLMTA can be an effective tool for preparing a blood transfusion service for accreditation. Key success factors included customising SLMTA to blood transfusion activities; sensitising trainers, mentors and auditors on operations of blood transfusion service; creating SLMTA champions in key departments; and integrating other blood transfusion-specific accreditation standards into SLMTA.

      2. Maguari virus associated with human diseaseExternal
        Groseth A, Vine V, Weisend C, Guevara C, Watts D, Russell B, Tesh RB, Ebihara H.
        Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Aug;23(8):1325-1331.

        Despite the lack of evidence for symptomatic human infection with Maguari virus (MAGV), its close relation to Cache Valley virus (CVV), which does infect humans, remains a concern. We sequenced the complete genome of a MAGV-like isolate (OBS6657) obtained from a febrile patient in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru, in 1998. To facilitate its classification, we generated additional full-length sequences for the MAGV prototype strain, 3 additional MAGV-like isolates, and the closely related CVV (7 strains), Tlacotalpan (1 strain), Playas (3 strains), and Fort Sherman (1 strain) viruses. The OBS6657 isolate is similar to the MAGV prototype, whereas 2 of the other MAGV-like isolates are located on a distinct branch and most likely warrant classification as a separate virus species and 1 is, in fact, a misclassified CVV strain. Our findings provide clear evidence that MAGV can cause human disease.

      3. Key features of invasive pneumococcal isolates recovered in Lima, Peru determined through whole genome sequencingExternal
        Hawkins P, Mercado E, Chochua S, Castillo ME, Reyes I, Chaparro E, Gladstone R, Bentley SD, Breiman RF, Metcalf BJ, Beall B, Ochoa TJ, McGee L.
        Int J Med Microbiol. 2017 Jul 22.

        Before PCV7 introduction, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) was responsible for approximately 12,000-18,000 deaths annually among children <5years in Latin America. In Peru, PCV7 was introduced in 2009. We used whole genome sequencing to deduce key features of invasive strains collected in Lima, Peru from 2006 to 2011. We sequenced 212 IPD isolates from 16 hospitals in Lima pre (2006-2009; n=133) and post (2010-2011; n=79) PCV7 introduction; 130 (61.3%) isolates were from children</=5years old. CDC’s Streptococcus lab bioinformatics pipeline revealed serotypes, sequence types (STs), pilus genes, PBP types and other resistance determinants. During the pre-PCV7 period, serotype 14 was the most common serotype (24.8%), followed by 6B (20.3%), 19F (10.5%), and 23F (6.8%). Post-PCV7, the proportion of PCV7 serotype 6B decreased significantly (to 6.3%), while 19F (16.3%), 14 (15.0%), 23F (7.5%), and 19A (7.5%) were the most common serotypes; only serotypes 3 and 10A increased significantly. Overall, 82% (n=173) of all isolates carried at least one resistance determinant, including 72 (34%) isolates that carried resistance determinants against 3 or more antimicrobial classes; of these 72 isolates, 56 (78%) belonged to a PCV7 serotype. Eighty-two STs were identified, with 53 of them organized in 14 clonal complexes. ST frequencies were distributed differently pre and post-PCV7 introduction, with only 18 of the 57 STs identified in years 2006-2009 isolates also observed in years 2010-2011 isolates. The apparent expansion of a 19F/ST1421 lineage with predicted beta-lactam resistance (PBP type 13:16:20) and carrying resistance determinants against four additional antimicrobial classes was observed.

      4. Rapid and accurate molecular identification of the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida aurisExternal
        Kordalewska M, Zhao Y, Lockhart SR, Chowdhary A, Berrio I, Perlin DS.
        J Clin Microbiol. 2017 Aug;55(8):2445-2452.

        Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen causing nosocomial and invasive infections associated with high mortality. C. auris is commonly misidentified as several different yeast species by commercially available phenotypic identification platforms. Thus, there is an urgent need for a reliable diagnostic method. In this paper, we present fast, robust, easy-to-perform and interpret PCR and real-time PCR assays to identify C. auris and related species: Candida duobushaemulonii, Candida haemulonii, and Candida lusitaniae Targeting rDNA region nucleotide sequences, primers specific for C. auris only or C. auris and related species were designed. A panel of 140 clinical fungal isolates was used in both PCR and real-time PCR assays followed by electrophoresis or melting temperature analysis, respectively. The identification results from the assays were 100% concordant with DNA sequencing results. These molecular assays overcome the deficiencies of existing phenotypic tests to identify C. auris and related species.

      5. Modified carbapenem inactivation method for phenotypic detection of carbapenemase production among enterobacteriaceaeExternal
        Pierce VM, Simner PJ, Lonsway DR, Roe-Carpenter DE, Johnson JK, Brasso WB, Bobenchik AM, Lockett ZC, Charnot-Katsikas A, Ferraro MJ, Thomson RB, Jenkins SG, Limbago BM, Das S.
        J Clin Microbiol. 2017 Aug;55(8):2321-2333.

        The ability of clinical microbiology laboratories to reliably detect carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) is an important element of the effort to prevent and contain the spread of these pathogens and an integral part of antimicrobial stewardship. All existing methods have limitations. A new, straightforward, inexpensive, and specific phenotypic method for the detection of carbapenemase production, the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM), was recently described. Here we describe a two-stage evaluation of a modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), in which tryptic soy broth was substituted for water during the inactivation step and the length of this incubation was extended. A validation study was performed in a single clinical laboratory to determine the accuracy of the mCIM, followed by a nine-laboratory study to verify the reproducibility of these results and define the zone size cutoff that best discriminated between CP-CRE and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae that do not produce carbapenemases. Bacterial isolates previously characterized through whole-genome sequencing or targeted PCR as to the presence or absence of carbapenemase genes were tested for carbapenemase production using the mCIM; isolates with Ambler class A, B, and D carbapenemases, non-CP-CRE isolates, and carbapenem-susceptible isolates were included. The sensitivity of the mCIM observed in the validation study was 99% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 93% to 100%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 82% to 100%). In the second stage of the study, the range of sensitivities observed across nine laboratories was 93% to 100%, with a mean of 97%; the range of specificities was 97% to 100%, with a mean of 99%. The mCIM was easy to perform and interpret for Enterobacteriaceae, with results in less than 24 h and excellent reproducibility across laboratories.

      6. A multiplex assay for detection of SHIV plasma and mucosal IgG and IgAExternal
        Parker IK, Price KA, Singletary T, Srinivasan P, Smith J, Curtis KA.
        J Immunol Methods. 2017 Jul 25.

        Evaluating antibody maturation provides valuable data to characterize immune responses to HIV infection and can provide insight into biomedical intervention efficacy. It is important to develop assays that evaluate antibody maturation in both plasma and mucosal compartments. The nonhuman primate model provides a controlled system to collect temporal data that are integral to assessing intervention strategies. We report the development of a novel multiplex assay, based on the Bio-Plex platform, to evaluate plasma and mucosal IgG and IgA avidity and maturation against simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) in this controlled system. Vaginal mucosa and plasma samples were collected from a prior study evaluating the efficacy study of a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) intravaginal ring (IVR) against SHIVSF162P3 challenge in female pigtailed macaques. For validation of the multiplex assay, specimens from six SHIV-infected placebo animals and one TDF breakthrough animal were evaluated. For SHIV and HIV envelope analytes, antibody levels and avidity in both compartments continued to mature post-infection. Maturation of IgG and IgA levels was similar in each compartment, however, mucosal antibody levels tended to be more variable. This SHIV assay elucidates IgG/IgA antibody kinetics in the plasma and vaginal mucosa and will be a valuable tool in vaccine and other biomedical intervention studies in the nonhuman primate model.

      7. Twelve subjects wore an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (N95 FFR), one tight-fitting full facepiece powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), two loose-fitting PAPRs, and one elastomeric/PAPR hybrid for 1 hr each during treadmill walking at 5.6 km/h while undergoing physiological and subjective response monitoring. No significant interaction (p>/=.05) was noted between the five respirators in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, and perceptions of breathing effort or discomfort, exertion, facial heat, and overall body heat. Respirator deadspace heat/humidity were significantly greater for the N95 FFR, whereas tympanic forehead skin temperatures were significantly greater for the hybrid PAPR. Temperature of the facial skin covered by the respirator was equivalent for the N95 FFR and hybrid PAPR, and both were significantly higher than for the other three PAPRs. Perception of eye dryness was significantly greater for a tight-fitting full facepiece PAPR than the N95 FFR and hybrid PAPR. At a low-moderate work rate over 1 hr, effects on cardiopulmonary variables, breathing perceptions, and facial and overall body heat perceptions did not differ significantly between the four PAPRs and a N95 FFR, but the tight-fitting, full facepiece PAPR increased perceptions of eye dryness. The two loose-fitting PAPRs and the full facepiece tight-fitting PAPR ameliorated exercise-induced increases in facial temperature, but this did not translate to improved perception of facial heat and overall body heat.

      8. Genotyping of Bartonella bacteria and their animal hosts: current status and perspectivesExternal
        Kosoy M, McKee C, Albayrak L, Fofanov Y.
        Parasitology. 2017 Aug 02:1-20.

        Growing evidence demonstrates that bacterial species diversity is substantial, and many of these species are pathogenic in some contexts or hosts. At the same time, laboratories and museums have collected valuable animal tissue and ectoparasite samples that may contain substantial novel information on bacterial prevalence and diversity. However, the identification of bacterial species is challenging, partly due to the difficulty in culturing many microbes and the reliance on molecular data. Although the genomics revolution will surely add to our knowledge of bacterial systematics, these approaches are not accessible to all researchers and rely predominantly on cultured isolates. Thus, there is a need for comprehensive molecular analyses capable of accurately genotyping bacteria from animal tissues or ectoparasites using common methods that will facilitate large-scale comparisons of species diversity and prevalence. To illustrate the challenges of genotyping bacteria, we focus on the genus Bartonella, vector-borne bacteria common in mammals. We highlight the value and limitations of commonly used techniques for genotyping bartonellae and make recommendations for researchers interested in studying the diversity of these bacteria in various samples. Our recommendations could be applicable to many bacterial taxa (with some modifications) and could lead to a more complete understanding of bacterial species diversity.

      9. Cathelicidins display conserved direct antiviral activity towards rhinovirusExternal
        Sousa FH, Casanova V, Findlay F, Stevens C, Svoboda P, Pohl J, Proudfoot L, Barlow PG.
        Peptides. 2017 Jul 29.

        Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the most common cause of viral respiratory tract infections, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals and patients with pre-existing pulmonary conditions. The therapeutic options available are extremely limited and therefore novel therapeutics for HRV infections are of significant interest. Cathelicidins have been shown to have potent antiviral activity against a range of pathogens and are known to be key immunomodulatory mediators during infection. We therefore assessed the antiviral potential of cathelicidins from humans and other mammalian species against HRV, together with the potential for the human cathelicidin to modulate apoptotic pathways and alter cell viability during HRV infection. We demonstrate that LL-37, the porcine cathelicidin Protegrin-1, and the ovine cathelicidin SMAP-29 display potent antiviral activity towards HRV and that this activity is visible when either the virus is exposed to the peptides prior to cell infection or after cells have been infected. We further demonstrate that, in contrast to established findings with bacterial infection models, LL-37 does not induce apoptosis or necrosis in HRV-infected lung epithelial cells at physiological or superphysiological concentrations, but does reduce the metabolic activity of infected cells compared to uninfected cells treated with similar peptide concentrations. Collectively, the findings from this study demonstrate that the mechanism of action of cathelicidins against rhinovirus is by directly affecting the virus and we propose that the delivery of exogenous cathelicidins, or novel synthetic analogues, represent an exciting and novel therapeutic strategy for rhinovirus infection.

      10. Phage display analysis of monoclonal antibody binding to anthrax toxin lethal factorExternal
        Goldstein JM, Lee J, Tang X, Boyer AE, Barr JR, Bagarozzi DA, Quinn CP.
        Toxins. 2017 ;9(7).

        AVR1674 and AVR1675 are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind with high specificity to anthrax toxin lethal factor (LF) and lethal toxin (LTx). These mAbs have been used as pivotal reagents to develop anthrax toxin detection tests using mass spectrometry. The mAbs were demonstrated to bind LF with good affinity (KD 10?7?10?9 M) and to enhance LF-mediated cleavage of synthetic peptide substrates in vitro. Sequence analysis indicated that the mAbs shared 100% amino acid identity in their complementarity determining regions (CDR). A phage display library based on a combinatorial library of random heptapeptides fused to the pIII coat protein of M13 phage was enriched and screened to identify peptide sequences with mAb binding properties. Selection and sequence analysis of 18 anti-LF-reactive phage clones identified a 7-residue (P1?P7) AVR1674/1675 consensus target binding sequence of TP1-XP2-K/RP3-DP4-D/EP5-ZP6-X/ZP7 (X = aromatic, Z = non-polar). The phage peptide sequence with highest affinity binding to AVR1674/1675 was identified as T-F-K-D-E-I-V. Synthetic oligopeptides were designed based on the phage sequences and interacted with mAbs with high affinity (KD~ 10?9 M). Single amino acid substitutions of A, H, or Q in the peptides identified positions P1?P5 as critical residues for mAb-peptide interactions. CLUSTALW alignment of phage sequences with native LF implicated residues 644?650 (sequence T-H-Q-D-E-I-Y) as a putative linear epitope component located within a structural loop (L2) of LF Domain IV. The activation effects of these mAbs contribute to the analytic sensitivity of function-based LF detection assays. ? 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

    • Maternal and Child Health

      1. Population-based case-control study of the association between weather-related extreme heat events and neural tube defectsExternal
        Soim A, Lin S, Sheridan SC, Hwang SA, Hsu WH, Luben TJ, Shaw GM, Feldkamp ML, Romitti PA, Reefhuis J, Langlois PH, Browne ML.
        Birth Defects Res. 2017 Aug 02.

        BACKGROUND: Elevated body core temperature has been shown to have teratogenic effects in animal studies. Our study evaluated the association between weather-related extreme heat events (EHEs) in the summer season and neural tube defects (NTDs), and further investigated whether pregnant women with a high pregestational body mass index (BMI) have a greater risk of having a child with NTDs associated with exposure to EHE than women with a normal BMI. METHODS: We conducted a population-based case-control study among mothers of infants with NTDs and mothers of infants without major birth defects, who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and had at least 1 day of the third or fourth week postconception during summer months. EHEs were defined using the 95th and the 90th percentiles of the daily maximum universal apparent temperature. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models with Firth’s penalized likelihood method while controlling for other known risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, we did not observe a significant association between EHEs and NTDs. At the climate region level, consistently elevated but not statistically significant estimates were observed for at least 2 consecutive days with daily universal apparent maximum temperature above the 95th percentile of the UATmax distribution for the season, year, and weather monitoring station in New York (Northeast), North Carolina and Georgia (Southeast), and Iowa (Upper Midwest). No effect modification by BMI was observed. CONCLUSION: EHEs occurring during the relevant developmental window of embryogenesis do not appear to appreciably affect the risk of NTDs. Future studies should refine exposure assessment, and more completely account for maternal activities that may modify the effects of weather exposure.

      2. Monitoring the World Health Organization global target 2025 for exclusive breastfeeding: Experience from the United StatesExternal
        Gupta PM, Perrine CG, Chen J, Elam-Evans LD, Flores-Ayala R.
        J Hum Lact. 2017 Aug;33(3):578-581.

        BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, calculated from a single 24-hour recall among mothers of children 0 to 5 months of age, is a World Health Organization (WHO) indicator used to monitor progress on the 2025 global breastfeeding target. Many upper-middle-income and high-income countries, including the United States, do not have estimates for this indicator. Research aim: To describe the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months in the United States. METHODS: We used a single 24-hour dietary recall from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2012 to calculate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months. We discuss our results in the context of routine breastfeeding surveillance, which is reported from a national survey with different methodology. RESULTS: Among children younger than 6 months, 24.4%, 95% confidence interval [17.6, 31.1], were exclusively breastfed the previous day. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first estimate of the WHO indicator of exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months for the United States. This study supports the global surveillance and data strategy for reporting to the WHO on the 2025 target for exclusive breastfeeding.

      3. Measuring child functioning: The Unicef/ Washington Group ModuleExternal
        Loeb M, Cappa C, Crialesi R, de Palma E.
        Salud Publica de Mexico. 2017 ;59(4):485-487.

        [No abstract]

    • Occupational Safety and Health

      1. In vivo toxicity assessment of occupational components of the carbon nanotube life cycle to provide context to potential health effectsExternal
        Bishop L, Cena L, Orandle M, Yanamala N, Dahm MM, Birch ME, Evans DE, Kodali VK, Eye T, Battelli L, Zeidler-Erdely PC, Casuccio G, Bunker K, Lupoi JS, Lersch TL, Stefaniak AB, Sager T, Afshari A, Schwegler-Berry D, Friend S, Kang J, Siegrist KJ, Mitchell CA, Lowry DT, Kashon ML, Mercer RR, Geraci CL, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Sargent LM, Erdely A.
        ACS Nano. 2017 Aug 04.

        Pulmonary toxicity studies on carbon nanotubes focus primarily on as-produced materials and rarely are guided by a life cycle perspective or integration with exposure assessment. Understanding toxicity beyond the as-produced, or pure native material, is critical, due to modifications needed to overcome barriers to commercialization of applications. In the first series of studies, the toxicity of as-produced carbon nanotubes and their polymer-coated counterparts was evaluated in reference to exposure assessment, material characterization, and stability of the polymer coating in biological fluids. The second series of studies examined the toxicity of aerosols generated from sanding polymer-coated carbon-nanotube-embedded or neat composites. Postproduction modification by polymer coating did not enhance pulmonary injury, inflammation, and pathology or in vitro genotoxicity of as-produced carbon nanotubes, and for a particular coating, toxicity was significantly attenuated. The aerosols generated from sanding composites embedded with polymer-coated carbon nanotubes contained no evidence of free nanotubes. The percent weight incorporation of polymer-coated carbon nanotubes, 0.15% or 3% by mass, and composite matrix utilized altered the particle size distribution and, in certain circumstances, influenced acute in vivo toxicity. Our study provides perspective that, while the number of workers and consumers increases along the life cycle, toxicity and/or potential for exposure to the as-produced material may greatly diminish.

      2. BACKGROUND: There has not been a systematic study of the nature and extent to which business and professional trade associations and labor organizations obtain and communicate workplace safety and health information to their members. These organizations can serve as important intermediaries and play a central role in transferring this information to their members. METHODS: A sample of 2294 business and professional trade associations and labor organizations in eight industrial sectors identified by the National Occupational Research Agenda was surveyed via telephone. RESULTS: A small percent of these organizations (40.9% of labor organizations, 15.6% of business associations, and 9.6% of professional associations) were shown to distribute workplace safety and health information to their members. Large differences were also observed between industrial sectors with construction having the highest total percent of organizations disseminating workplace safety and health information. CONCLUSION: There appears to be significant potential to utilize trade and labor organizations as intermediaries for transferring workplace safety and health information to their members. Government agencies have a unique opportunity to partner with these organizations and to utilize their existing communication channels to address high risk workplace safety and health concerns.

      3. Acute chemical incidents with injured first responders, 2002-2012External
        Melnikova N, Wu J, Yang A, Orr M.
        Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2017 Aug 01:1-11.

        Introduction First responders, including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical services, and company emergency response team members, have dangerous jobs that can bring them in contact with hazardous chemicals among other dangers. Limited information is available on responder injuries that occur during hazardous chemical incidents. METHODS: We analyzed 2002-2012 data on acute chemical incidents with injured responders from 2 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry chemical incident surveillance programs. To learn more about such injuries, we performed descriptive analysis and looked for trends. RESULTS: The percentage of responders among all injured people in chemical incidents has not changed over the years. Firefighters were the most frequently injured group of responders, followed by police officers. Respiratory system problems were the most often reported injury, and the respiratory irritants, ammonia, methamphetamine-related chemicals, and carbon monoxide were the chemicals more often associated with injuries. Most of the incidents with responder injuries were caused by human error or equipment failure. Firefighters wore personal protective equipment (PPE) most frequently and police officers did so rarely. Police officers’ injuries were mostly associated with exposure to ammonia and methamphetamine-related chemicals. Most responders did not receive basic awareness-level hazardous material training. CONCLUSION: All responders should have at least basic awareness-level hazardous material training to recognize and avoid exposure. Research on improving firefighter PPE should continue.

      4. Acute pesticide-related illness among farmworkers: Barriers to reporting to public health authoritiesExternal
        Prado JB, Mulay PR, Kasner EJ, Bojes HK, Calvert GM.
        J Agromedicine. 2017 Aug 01.

        Farmworkers are at high risk of acute occupational pesticide-related illness (AOPI) and AOPI surveillance is vital to preventing these illnesses. Data on such illnesses are collected and analyzed to identify high risk groups, high risk pesticides, and root causes. Interventions to address these risks and root causes include farmworker outreach, education, and regulation. Unfortunately, it is well known that AOPI is under-reported, meaning that the true burden of this condition remains unknown. This paper reviews the barriers to reporting of farmworker AOPI to public health authorities and provides some practical solutions. Information is presented using the social-ecological model spheres of influence. Factors that contribute to farmworker AOPI under-reporting include fear of job loss or deportation, limited English proficiency, limited access to health care, lack of clinician recognition of AOPI, farmworker ineligibility for workers’ compensation benefits in many states, insufficient resources to conduct AOPI surveillance, and constraints in coordinating AOPI investigations across state agencies. Solutions to address these barriers include: emphasizing that employers encourage farmworkers to report safety concerns; raising farmworker awareness of federally-qualified health centers and increasing the availability of these clinics; improving environmental toxicology training to health care students and professionals; encouraging government agencies to investigate pesticide complaints and provide easy-to-read reports of investigation findings; fostering public health reporting from electronic medical records, poison control centers, and workers’ compensation; expanding and strengthening AOPI state-based surveillance programs; and developing interagency agreements to outline the roles and responsibilities of each state agency involved with pesticide safety.

      5. Occupational health contributions to the development and promise of occupational health psychologyExternal
        Sauter S, Hurrell Jr J.
        Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. 2017 ;22(3):251-258.

        Occupational health psychology</em> (OHP), as it is known today, is preceded by over a century of inquiry in psychology, sociology, philosophy, and other disciplines regarding the conditions of work and the welfare of workers, organizations, and society. This diverse body of research is richly detailed in reports on the history of OHP. Less represented in these reports are the formative interests of the occupational health field in OHP. In the present discussion, we begin by giving greater visibility to these interests. As we show, the expressions <em>occupational health psychology</em> and <em>occupational health psychologist</em> and a vision for training and participation of psychologists in occupational health research and practice appear in the occupational health literature four decades ago. We describe how this interest inspired initiatives in OHP by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health which, in turn, influenced the formalization of OHP as a discipline in the United States. We then document sustained interests of occupational health in OHP today and illustrate the promise of this interest for psychologists, for the discipline of OHP itself, and for the health, safety, and well-being of working people. We conclude by arguing that, to realize this promise, there is value to closer and more formal engagement of psychologists and OHP institutions with the field of occupational health.

      6. Legislation and other legal issues relevant in choosing to partner with a service dog in the workplaceExternal
        Glenn MK, Foreman AM, Shahan KM, Meade BJ, Wirth O, Thorne KL.
        Journal of Rehabilitation. 2017 ;83(2):17-26.

        Objective. Decisions to use a service dog for employment impacts more than just the workplace. It extends into housing, transportation, and public access. Findings from an exploratory study of the use of service dogs in the workplace revealed a need for clarification and dissemination of relevant laws and resulting regulations associated with living and working with a service dog (Glenn, 2013). This investigation sought to respond with a review of legislation and case law that may impact a person’s ability to live and work independently with a service dog. Method. A search of the regulations and case law in the United States related to the use of a service dog in various environments was conducted, focusing on examples of legal precedents that have arisen at the federal, state and local levels. Results. Federal law and resulting regulations, as well as local and state case law, were presented for Disability Support and Accommodation: service animal definitions, use of service animals in different environments to include housing, public access, transportation, and employment, rights to privacy, and responsibility to maintain control of the dog. Conclusions. Two themes needing attention emerged: (1) discrepant interpretations of service animal in the law and by the general population and (2) among service dog handlers and allies there exists a lack of accurate information and ability to inform others of their rights, the laws and associated requirements related to service dog teams.

      7. In the 1930s, Heinrich established one of the most prominent and enduring accident prevention theories when he concluded that high severity occupational safety and health (OSH) incidents are preceded by numerous lower severity incidents and near misses. Seventy-five years of theory expansion/interpretation includes two fundamental tenets: (1) the ratio of lower to higher severity incidents exists in the form of a “safety-triangle” and (2) similar causes underlie both high and low severity events. Although used extensively to inform public policy and establishment-level health and safety priorities, recent research challenges the validity of the two tenets. This study explored the validity of the first tenet, the existence of the safety triangle. The advantage of the current study is the use of a detailed, establishment-specific data set that evaluated over 25,000 establishments over a 13-year time period, allowing three specific questions to be explored: (1) Are an increased number of lower severity incidents at an establishment significantly associated with the probability of a fatal event over time? (2) At the establishment level, do the effects of OSH incidents on the probability of a fatality over time decrease as the degree of severity decreases-thereby taking the form of a triangle? and (3) Do distinct methods for delineating incidents by severity affect the existence of the safety triangle form? The answer to all three questions was yes with the triangle form being dependent upon how severity was delineated. The implications of these findings in regard to Heinrich’s theory and OSH policy and management are discussed.

    • Parasitic Diseases

      1. Host attraction and biting behaviour of Anopheles mosquitoes in South Halmahera, IndonesiaExternal
        St Laurent B, Burton TA, Zubaidah S, Miller HC, Asih PB, Baharuddin A, Kosasih S, Shinta , Firman S, Hawley WA, Burkot TR, Syafruddin D, Sukowati S, Collins FH, Lobo NF.
        Malar J. 2017 Aug 02;16(1):310.

        BACKGROUND: Indonesia is home to a variety of malaria vectors whose specific bionomic traits remain largely uncharacterized. Species-specific behaviours, such as host feeding preferences, impact the dynamics of malaria transmission and the effectiveness of vector control interventions. METHODS: To examine species-specific host attraction and feeding behaviours, a Latin square design was used to compare Anopheles mosquitoes attracted to human, cow, and goat-baited tents. Anopheles mosquitoes were collected hourly from the inside walls of each baited tent. Species were morphologically and then molecularly identified using rDNA ITS2 sequences. The head and thorax of individual specimens were analysed for Plasmodium DNA using PCR. Bloodmeals were identified using a multiplex PCR. RESULTS: A total of 1024, 137, and 74 Anopheles were collected over 12 nights in cow, goat, and human-baited tents, respectively. The species were identified as Anopheles kochi, Anopheles farauti s.s., Anopheles hackeri, Anopheles hinesorum, Anopheles indefinitus, Anopheles punctulatus, Anopheles tessellatus, Anopheles vagus, and Anopheles vanus, many of which are known to transmit human malaria. Molecular analysis of blood meals revealed a high level of feeding on multiple host species in a single night. Anopheles kochi, An. indefinitus, and An. vanus were infected with Plasmodium vivax at rates comparable to primary malaria vectors. CONCLUSIONS: The species distributions of Anopheles mosquitoes attracted to human, goat, and cow hosts were similar. Eight of nine sporozoite positive samples were captured with animal-baited traps, indicating that even predominantly zoophilic mosquitoes may be contributing to malaria transmission. Multiple host feeding and flexibility in blood feeding behaviour have important implications for malaria transmission, malaria control, and the effectiveness of intervention and monitoring methods, particularly those that target human-feeding vectors.

      2. BACKGROUND: Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) have played an integral role in malaria reduction but how insecticide depletion and accumulating physical damage affect ITN performance is poorly understood. More accurate methods are needed to assess damage to bed nets so that they can be designed, deployed and replaced optimally. METHODS: Video recordings of female Anopheles gambiae in near approach (1-(1/2) cm) to occupied untreated rectangular bed nets in a laboratory study were used to quantify the amount of mosquito activity (appearances over time) around different parts of the net, the per-appearance probability of a mosquito coming close to holes of different sizes (hole encounter) and the per-encounter probability of mosquitoes passing through holes of different sizes (hole passage). RESULTS: Appearance frequency on different parts of the net reflected previously reported patterns: the area of the net under greatest mosquito pressure was the roof, followed by the bottom 30 cm of the sides, followed by the 30 cm area immediately above this, followed by the upper two-thirds of the sides. The ratio of activity in these areas was (respectively) 250:33:5:1. Per-appearance probability of hole encounter on all parts of the net was strongly predicted by a factor combining hole perimeter and area. Per-encounter probability of hole passage, in turn, was strongly predicted by hole width. For a given width, there was a 20% greater risk of passage through holes on the roof than holes on the sides. DISCUSSION: Appearance, encounter and passage predictors correspond to various mosquito behaviours that have previously been described and are combined into a prototype mosquito entry risk tool that predicts mosquito entry rates for nets with various amounts of damage. Scenarios that use the entry risk tool to test the recommendations of the WHOPES proportionate hole index (pHI) suggest that the pHI hole size categories and failure to account for hole location likely sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions about net serviceability that could be avoided by using an entry risk tool of the form presented here instead. Practical methods of collecting hole position, shape and size information for bed net assessments using the tool in the field are discussed and include using image analysis and on-line geometric analysis tools.

    • Reproductive Health

      1. Prostate-specific antigen concentration in vaginal fluid after exposure to semenExternal
        Kulczycki A, Brill I, Snead MC, Macaluso M.
        Contraception. 2017 Jul 12.

        OBJECTIVE: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the best established biomarker of semen exposure. PSA in vaginal fluid returns to pre-exposure concentrations within 24-48 h, but the speed of decay during the first 10 h is unknown. We sought to determine how fast PSA concentrations decline during the first 10 h after exposure to semen. STUDY DESIGN: Women in the 50 enrolled couples were intravaginally inoculated with 10, 20, 100 and 200 mul of their partner’s semen and then collected vaginal swabs immediately after, 30 min, 4 h and 10 h after exposure. Forty-seven sets of samples were tested for PSA. Mixed linear models for repeated measures examined the association between log-transformed PSA values and sampling time and semen exposure volume. Sensitivity analyses excluded data from nonabstainers. Fixed-effect estimates from the statistical models were graphed. RESULTS: PSA values were highest at 200 mul inoculation volumes and at earlier post-exposure time points, then decline steadily. The lowest inoculation volume (10 mul) corresponded to the smallest concentration of PSA throughout the post-inoculation time points. Average PSA levels return to clinically non-detectable levels within 10 h only at the lowest semen exposures. The PSA decay curve assumes a very similar profile across all time points and semen amounts. CONCLUSIONS: The PSA decay curve is similar for varying semen exposure volumes, with average PSA concentrations remaining above clinical thresholds 10 h after exposure at all except the very smallest semen exposure levels. PSA is an objective marker of recent exposure to semen, permitting such detection with high accuracy. IMPLICATIONS: This study clarifies how PSA values vary at different semen exposure levels and time points during the first 10 h post-exposure. Future contraceptive studies that use PSA as a semen biomarker will be better informed about PSA concentrations at different sampling times and exposure amounts.

      2. Assisted reproduction and risk of preterm birth in singletons by infertility diagnoses and treatment modalities: a population-based studyExternal
        Dunietz GL, Holzman C, Zhang Y, Li C, Todem D, Boulet SL, McKane P, Kissin DM, Copeland G, Bernson D, Diamond MP.
        J Assist Reprod Genet. 2017 Jul 28.

        PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the spectrum of infertility diagnoses and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in relation to risk of preterm birth (PTB) in singletons. METHODS: Population-based assisted reproductive technology surveillance data for 2000-2010 were linked with birth certificates from three states: Florida, Massachusetts, and Michigan, resulting in a sample of 4,370,361 non-ART and 28,430 ART-related singletons. Logistic regression models with robust variance estimators were used to compare PTB risk among singletons conceived with and without ART, the former grouped by parental infertility diagnoses and treatment modalities. Demographic and pregnancy factors were included in adjusted analyses. RESULTS: ART was associated with increased PTB risk across all infertility diagnosis groups and treatment types: for conventional ART, adjusted relative risks ranged from 1.4 (95% CI 1.0, 1.9) for male infertility to 2.4 (95% CI 1.8, 3.3) for tubal ligation. Adding intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection and/or assisted hatching to conventional ART treatment did not alter associated PTB risks. Singletons conceived by mothers without infertility diagnosis and with donor semen had an increased PTB risk relative to non-ART singletons. CONCLUSIONS: PTB risk among ART singletons is increased within each treatment type and all underlying infertility diagnosis, including male infertility. Preterm birth in ART singletons may be attributed to parental infertility, ART treatments, or their combination.

      3. Affordability of fertility treatments and multiple births in the United StatesExternal
        Kulkarni AD, Adashi EY, Jamieson DJ, Crawford SB, Sunderam S, Kissin DM.
        Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2017 Aug 01.

        BACKGROUND: Affordability plays an important role in the utilisation of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and non-IVF fertility treatments. Fertility treatments are associated with increased risk of multiple births. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the affordability of fertility treatments across US states and the percentage of multiple births due to natural conception, non-IVF treatments, and IVF, and the association between these percentages and state-specific multiple birth rates. METHODS: State-specific per capita disposable personal income and state-specific infertility insurance mandates were used as measures of affordability. Maternal age-adjusted percentages of multiple births due to natural conception, non-IVF treatments, and IVF were estimated for each state using birth certificate and IVF data. Scatter plots and regression analysis were used to explore associations between state-level measures of affordability, the percentage of multiple births due to natural conception and fertility treatments, and state-specific multiple birth rates. RESULTS: In 2013, age-adjusted contributions of natural conception, non-IVF fertility treatments, and IVF to multiple births in US were 58.2, 22.8, and 19.0% respectively. States with greater affordability of fertility treatments had higher percentages of multiples due to IVF and lower percentages due to natural conception. Higher percentages of multiples due to IVF and lower percentages due to natural conception were associated with higher state-specific multiple birth rates. CONCLUSION: Increasing affordability of fertility treatments may increase state-specific multiple birth rates. Policies and treatment practices encouraging single-gestation pregnancies may help reduce multiple births resulting from these treatments.

    • Zoonotic and Vectorborne Diseases

      1. Zika virus infection in patient with no known risk factors, Utah, USA, 2016External
        Krow-Lucal ER, Novosad SA, Dunn AC, Brent CR, Savage HM, Faraji A, Peterson D, Dibbs A, Vietor B, Christensen K, Laven JJ, Godsey MS, Christensen B, Beyer B, Cortese MM, Johnson NC, Panella AJ, Biggerstaff BJ, Rubin M, Fridkin SK, Staples JE, Nakashima AK.
        Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Aug;23(8):1260-1267.

        In 2016, Zika virus disease developed in a man (patient A) who had no known risk factors beyond caring for a relative who died of this disease (index patient). We investigated the source of infection for patient A by surveying other family contacts, healthcare personnel, and community members, and testing samples for Zika virus. We identified 19 family contacts who had similar exposures to the index patient; 86 healthcare personnel had contact with the index patient, including 57 (66%) who had contact with body fluids. Of 218 community members interviewed, 28 (13%) reported signs/symptoms and 132 (61%) provided a sample. Except for patient A, no other persons tested had laboratory evidence of recent Zika virus infection. Of 5,875 mosquitoes collected, none were known vectors of Zika virus and all were negative for Zika virus. The mechanism of transmission to patient A remains unknown but was likely person-to-person contact with the index patient.

      2. Seroprevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis infection among humans, Santa Barbara County, California, USA, 2014-2016External
        Weinstein SB, Lake CM, Chastain HM, Fisk D, Handali S, Kahn PL, Montgomery SP, Wilkins PP, Kuris AM, Lafferty KD.
        Emerg Infect Dis. 2017 Aug;23(8):1397-1399.

        Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm) infection is common in raccoons and can cause devastating pathology in other animals, including humans. Limited information is available on the frequency of asymptomatic human infection. We tested 150 adults from California, USA, for B. procyonis antibodies; 11 were seropositive, suggesting that subclinical infection does occur.

      3. Entomological investigations during early stages of a chikungunya outbreak in the United States Virgin Islands, 2014External
        Kenney JL, Burkhalter KL, Scott ML, McAllister J, Lang FE, Webster S, Maduro DJ, Johannes J, Liburd A, Mutebi JP.
        Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 2017 ;33(1):8-15.

        During the 2014 chikungunya (CHIK) outbreak in the Caribbean, we performed entomological surveys on 3 United States Virgin Islands (USVI): St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. We aimed to evaluate the potential for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission in the USVI. The surveys took place between June 19, 2014, and June 29, 2014, during the dry season in USVI. A total of 1,929 adult mosquitoes belonging to 4 species – Culex quinquefasciatus (68.4%), Aedes aegypti (29.7%), Ae. mediovittatus (1.3%), and Ae. sollicitans (<1%) – were detected. Environmental investigations showed that between 73% and 87% of the homes had containers that could serve as mosquito larval habitats. In addition, 47% of the homes did not have air conditioning and between 69% and 79% of homes showed evidence of frequent outdoor activity exhibited by residents. Taken together, these observations suggest a high potential for CHIKV transmission in USVI. The relative abundance of Ae. aegypti on St. John’s, St. Thomas, and St. Croix was 21.0, 11.0, and 3.0 mosquitoes/trap per day, respectively, suggesting that the former 2 islands were at the highest risk of CHIKV outbreaks. Insecticide resistance testing detected high levels of resistance to malathion and permethrin in several local populations of Ae. aegypti on St. Croix Island, which suggested that these 2 insecticides should not be used during CHIK outbreaks.

      4. Summer-weight clothing articles impregnated with permethrin are available as a personal protective measure against human-biting ticks in the United States. However, very few studies have addressed the impact of contact with summer-weight permethrin-treated textiles on tick vigor and behavior. Our aim was to generate new knowledge of how permethrin-treated textiles impact nymphal Ixodes scapularis ticks, the primary vectors in the eastern United States of the causative agents of Lyme disease, human anaplasmosis, and human babesiosis. We developed a series of bioassays designed to: (i) clarify whether permethrin-treated textiles impact ticks through non-contact spatial repellency or contact irritancy; (ii) evaluate the ability of ticks to remain in contact with vertically oriented permethrin-treated textiles, mimicking contact with treated clothing on arms or legs; and (iii) determine the impact of timed exposure to permethrin-treated textiles on the ability of ticks to move and orient toward a human finger stimulus, thus demonstrating normal behavior. Our results indicate that permethrin-treated textiles provide minimal non-contact spatial repellency but strong contact irritancy against ticks, manifesting as a “hot-foot” effect and resulting in ticks actively dislodging from contact with vertically oriented treated textile. Preliminary data suggest that the contact irritancy hot-foot response may be weaker for field-collected nymphs as compared with laboratory-reared nymphs placed upon permethrin-treated textile. We also demonstrate that contact with permethrin-treated textiles negatively impacts the vigor and behavior of nymphal ticks for >24h, with outcomes ranging from complete lack of movement to impaired movement and unwillingness of ticks displaying normal movement to ascend onto a human finger. The protective effect of summer-weight permethrin-treated clothing against tick bites merits further study.

      5. Genomic characterization of Zika virus isolated from IndonesiaExternal
        Yudhaputri FA, Trimarsanto H, Perkasa A, Yohan B, Haryanto S, Wiyatno A, Soebandrio A, Myint KS, Ledermann JP, Rosenberg R, Powers AM, Sasmono RT.
        Virology. 2017 Jul 26;510:248-251.

        Zika virus (ZIKV) JMB-185 strain was isolated from a febrile patient in Jambi, Indonesia in 2014. To understand its genetic characteristics, we performed whole genome sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM platform on the supernatant of the first passage. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate was not closely related to the Brazilian ZIKV associated with microcephaly or isolates from the recent Singapore Zika outbreak. Molecular evolution analysis indicated that JMB-185 strain may have been circulating in the Southeast Asia region, including Indonesia since 2000. We observed high nucleotide sequence identity between Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and American strains although unique amino acid substitutions were also observed. This report provides information on the genomic characteristics of Indonesian ZIKV which may be used for further studies.

      6. Vertebrate reservoirs of arboviruses: Myth, synonym of amplifier, or reality?External
        Kuno G, Mackenzie JS, Junglen S, Hubalek Z, Plyusnin A, Gubler DJ.
        Viruses. 2017 Jul 13;9(7).

        The rapid succession of the pandemic of arbovirus diseases, such as dengue, West Nile fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever, has intensified research on these and other arbovirus diseases worldwide. Investigating the unique mode of vector-borne transmission requires a clear understanding of the roles of vertebrates. One major obstacle to this understanding is the ambiguity of the arbovirus definition originally established by the World Health Organization. The paucity of pertinent information on arbovirus transmission at the time contributed to the notion that vertebrates played the role of reservoir in the arbovirus transmission cycle. Because this notion is a salient feature of the arbovirus definition, it is important to reexamine its validity. This review addresses controversial issues concerning vertebrate reservoirs and their role in arbovirus persistence in nature, examines the genesis of the problem from a historical perspective, discusses various unresolved issues from multiple points of view, assesses the present status of the notion in light of current knowledge, and provides options for a solution to resolve the issue.

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DISCLAIMER: Articles listed in the CDC Science Clips are selected by the Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library to provide current awareness of the public health literature. An article’s inclusion does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article’s methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

Page last reviewed: January 31, 2019
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