Ecology of disease最新文献

{"title":"Regional variance of cerebrovascular mortality in Japan.","authors":"M Kagami","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebrovascular disease is a chronic disease reflecting the influence of many different factors. In postwar Japan, the disease has been the primary cause of death and its mortality has shown the obvious regional variance. The purpose of this study is to present and appreciate the regional variance of the disease in Japan. The first step was the observation of the general regional variance of the disease by the trend surface analysis. Next came the classification of the regional types of the disease, which may be the regional character, in order to appreciate the detail of the variance of the disease. Lastly, the factor of the regional variance was examined by temperature in winter. The general pattern of distribution reveals cerebrovascular mortality to be higher in the east of the country and lower in the west. In more general terms the highest mortality is located in northeast Japan, except Hokkaido, and the lowest in southwest Japan, especially in the Inland Sea region. The fact that the higher mortality is in the mountainous region and the lower is in the plains and basins suggests dependence on geographical variations between both regions. There is a strong relationship in Japan between cerebrovascular mortality and the lower temperatures of winter. The exception is Hokkaido, where the lower mortality may be the result of other regional factors such as unconventional lifestyle.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"2 4","pages":"277-83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1983-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17735617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The clinician's role in environmental protection.","authors":"J Steensberg","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The clinically working medical doctors are insufficiently trained in epidemiology and community medicine. They are, therefore, not sufficiently aware of health related environmental factors. They cannot avoid the difficulties of generalizing clinical observations because of small numbers and the long latency period in chronic disease evolution. As centralization of treatment is not generally possible we must improve our systems for registration of environmentally induced disease and health monitoring of the population. Finally, the clinicians should be more concerned with follow-up of administrative disease preventing actions.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 1","pages":"93-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17973600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The known and the unknown in yellow fever ecology and epidemiology.","authors":"W G Downs","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Earlier epidemiological concepts are discussed briefly. Attention is focussed on several of the puzzling problems in the epidemiology of the disease as seen today. The recurring outbreaks of yellow fever in regions where it has been absent, as well as the absence of yellow fever in regions where the vectors exist are discussed. Features of vaccination are discussed, including the long persistence of humoral antibodies and long duration of effective protection. The possibility of changes in virulence of yellow fever strains is mentioned. In some of the modern outbreaks, virulence for human beings appears to be lower than virulence noted some centuries ago, and a hypothesis is advanced. The possible influence of virus-protecting antibodies acquired by infection by other flaviviruses is mentioned. With respect to the vectors of yellow fever, the possibility of differing susceptibility and of different behaviour of various strains is discussed. Transovarial transmission of the virus in the vector mosquito is mentioned as a possible mechanism for long persistence of the virus in nature. Infection of ticks and transovarial transmission of virus in ticks are also mentioned. The need for a diagnostic test to differentiate immunity produced by a naturally acquired infection from immunity induced by vaccination is stressed.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 2-3","pages":"103-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17213673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lead in bones: a cautionary tale.","authors":"H A Waldron","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>An attempt has been made to assess the degree to which past populations were exposed to lead by measuring the concentration of lead in bones from archaeological sites. Preliminary analysis of the results seemed to indicate that there had been a great variation in exposure to lead in the past and that, in some cases, lead might have made a significant contribution to the morbidity or mortality of the population. One persistent problem in interpreting the results has been to assess the degree to which the bones had absorbed lead from the soil. A priori reasoning led me to believe that, at sites where the bones were well preserved, little exchange of lead would have occurred. When I used physical methods to localize the lead within bones or teeth, however, it became clear that most of the lead was located on the surfaces, and this could only be explained by post-mortem absorption. At two sites I have found a significant correlation between the concentrations of lead in bones and soil taken from the same grave; this is further evidence for lead uptake after death. From the later studies it seems that exposure to lead in the past can only be determined by a careful prospective study taking random samples of bone and soil from sites, which can be dated to within narrow limits.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 2-3","pages":"191-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17818388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The primary observer.","authors":"R J Pinsent","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mortality data served epidemiologists of a past generation well but morbidity data are of greater value. The notification of diseases of 'public health' interest should now be supplemented by the continuing observation of patterns of prevalence and incidence of all diseases. The methods of data recording developed by the Royal College of General Practitioners in the U.K. are ready for further development, making use of the vast information-handling capacity of modern computers. A network of intensively documented observer practices is envisaged, backed by an analytical and co-ordinating centre. The primary observers would be doctors presently engaged in primary health care. The organization and operation of such an epidemiological research network would be expensive. Were resources available the experience of the Research Division of the Royal College of General Practitioners would be invaluable.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 4","pages":"275-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17818391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The scope and limitations of insecticide spraying in rural vector control programmes in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in India.","authors":"D Barai,&nbsp;B Hyma,&nbsp;A Ramesh","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The resurgence of malaria in India began in 1966 and the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were no exception to this phenomenon. In both states the peak occurrence came in 1976. Malaria was largely confined to highly vulnerable and receptive areas. The problem of increased incidence was particularly associated with the development of several irrigation and hydro-electric schemes. Improperly maintained irrigation systems and reservoirs provided ideal breeding grounds. The present paper examines the scope and limitations of a major anti-malaria activity, namely residual insecticide spraying as adopted and practised in rural vector control programmes in irrigation development project areas. Past experiences (as during the National Malaria Eradication programme, 1958-1965) and current practices are reviewed on the basis of selected examples. Eradication programme, 1958-1965) and current practices are reviewed on the basis of selected examples. In view of the current re-emergence of the disease, the states are faced with new obstacles to residual insecticide spraying such as (a) the development of resistance of malaria vectors to DDT and other alternative compounds like BHC (benzene hexachloride), changing vector behaviour with avoidance of contact with indoor insecticide deposits on walls, (c) environmental contamination (risks of chemicals), (d) extensive use of insecticides and pesticides for crop protection under an expanding green revolution agricultural technology, particularly in irrigated areas and (e) the existence of outdoor resting populations of the major vector Anopheles culicifacies and their role in extra-domiciliary transmission, making residual insecticide spray less effective. Spraying operations are also hindered by the persistence of certain social and cultural factors. The custom of mud plastering, white-washing and rethatching rural houses, for example, results in the loss of insecticide-treated surfaces. Other outdoor rural activities persist as obstacles in attempts to break the transmission cycle; washing, bathing and sleeping outdoors; illegal fishing and woodcutting at night; poorly constructed make-shift structures;housing project labourers near water sources; cattle grazing in nearby forests and human population movements related to seasonal migrants. The chain and extent of the transmission is dependent upon the malaria parasite carriers in the community (both indigenous and imported types) and the degree of contact of the community with those sites where people carry on the above activities, and on the effectiveness of surveillance operations.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 4","pages":"243-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17271703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The ecology of Chagas disease in Chile.","authors":"C J Schofield,&nbsp;W Apt,&nbsp;M A Miles","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chagas disease probably affects over half a million people in Chile, principally in rural communities in the fertile valleys of the arid 'norte chico' region, north of Santiago. The main domestic vector is Triatoma infestans, but Triatoma spinolai, although mainly in rocky sylvatic and peridomestic ecotopes, also invades houses. Since the Spanish invasion in the sixteenth century, and particularly during the last 100 years, the endemic region has suffered an ecological breakdown, largely due to excessive timbering and over-grazing, which has led to a denuded landscape with severe loss of agricultural productivity. This breakdown, combined with uneconomically sized farms and poor marketing, exacerbates the poverty of the rural communities. As in other similar areas of Latin America, the combination of poverty and poor education discourages improvements in housing which would reduce the risk of vector-transmitted Chagas disease. This paper reviews the historical and ecological background of the endemic region of Chile, both as a basis for further work, and as a point of comparison with other endemic areas. The review attempts to show how the current status of Chagas disease is likely to be maintained through its association with poor quality housing, poverty and ecological degradation, drawing parallels with other endemic++ areas and suggesting ways by which the ecological damage might be reversed.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 2-3","pages":"117-29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17872257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Waterborne virus diseases.","authors":"E Lund","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Water is only one route by which enteric viruses spread in a population. Other routes, such as the direct person to person contact, are in many circumstances more important. With the introduction of sanitary living conditions the water route becomes of increasing importance. In these conditions populations are not exposed at an early age to virus infections and so do not acquire the immunity that would offer them protection later in life, with the result that a chance exposure to a virus through water or food may be much more serious than it would be to someone who had acquired early immunity. Consequently the detection of enteric and other viruses in water and the epidemiology of the diseases are crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 1","pages":"27-35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17157606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plague: review of ecology.","authors":"A B Christie","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yersinia pestis, the organism which causes plague in man and animals, circulates from host to host in nature by means of one of many flea vectors. There are about 340 mammals known to be susceptible to plague and over 30 fleas which are known to carry the organism. The habits of flea and host, usually a rodent, must to some extent coincide before infection can be established, and these habits are affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment, by vegetation cover, by season, indeed by everything that is included in the term 'landscape epidemiology'. The ease with which fleas either block or not after feeding is important, but sheer numbers in a focus may sometimes be more important. Some rodents are so highly susceptible that whole colonies may be wiped out by plague, yet alongside these susceptible animals there are usually other resistant hosts which maintain the infection in an area between epizootics.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 2-3","pages":"111-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17818383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Schistosomiasis and human behaviour.","authors":"G H Rée","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research on schistosomiasis has been mainly a biological and biomedical endeavor. Yet water and man-water contact are of fundamental importance in understanding the epidemiology of schistosomiasis. A review of water contacts and human behaviour in schistosome endemic areas shows that children in general have more and longer water contact than adults, and that such water contact is often greatest during the middle of the day, at a time when cercarial shedding from snails is at their peak. Control of schistosomiasis must take human behaviour into account. Indiscriminate mollusciciding without the cooperation and understanding of villagers is bound to fail.</p>","PeriodicalId":79218,"journal":{"name":"Ecology of disease","volume":"1 2-3","pages":"131-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1982-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"17818384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}