Plataforma TI de vigilancia entomológica del Aedes aegypti con colaboración colectiva, Web GIS y mHealth / IT platform for entomological surveillance of Aedes aegypti with crowdsourcing, Web GIS and mHealth / Plataforma de TI para vigilância entomològica de Aedes aegypti com colaboração coletiva, Web GIS e mHealth

RESUMEN El mosquito Aedes aegypti es una especie antropoflica que se ha adaptado a entornos urbanos y es el principal vector de enfermedades como el dengue, la fiebre de Zika, la enfermedad del Chikungunya y la fiebre amarilla, lo que representa una importante carga al sistema de salud, en especial en países tropicales donde es endèmico. Ejercer apropiadamente la vigilancia en salud pública es fundamental para la prevención de estas enfermedades mediante sistemas de información. El propósito de este trabajo es proporcionar una plataforma de tecnologias de la información (TI), integrando tecnologias abiertas Web GIS y mHealth para la vigilancia entomológica del vector a partir de colaboración abierta distribuida para la generación de mapas de infestación. Se realizó un piloto con un grupo focal de 23 estudiantes del curso de epidemiologia, que permitió registrar l20 elementos en 55 reportes en la Universidad de los Llanos para la generación automática de 21 mapas de calor de sintomas, zancudos y criaderos, y un mapa global de infestación. Este trabajo sugiere una perspectiva novedosa de interacción y participación colaborativa de la comunidad con las autoridades de salud soportado por las TI.

ABSTRACT The Aedes aegypti mosquito is an anthropophilic species that has adapted to urban environments and it is the main vector of diseases such as dengue, Zika fever; Chikungunya disease and yellow fever; which represents a significant burden on the health system, especially in tropical countries where it is endemic. Properly exercising public health surveillance is essential for the prevention of these diseases through information systems. The purpose of this work is to provide an information technology (IT) platform, integrating open technologies Web GIS and mHealth for the entomological surveillance ofthe vector; based on crowdsourcing for the generation of infestation maps. A pilot was carried out with a focus group of 23 students from the epidemiology course, which allowed the registration of l20 elements in 55 reports at the Universidad de los Llanos for the automatic generation of 2l heatmaps of symptoms, mosquitoes and breeding sites, and a global infestation map. This work suggests a novel perspective of interaction and collaborative participation of the community with health authorities supported by IT

RESUMO O mosquito Aedes aegypti è uma espècie antropofílica que se adaptou aos ambientes urbanos e è o principal vetor de doenças como dengue, febre Zika, doença Chikungunya e febre amarela, o que representa uma carga significativa para o sistema de saúde, especialmente em países tropicais onde é endêmica. O exercício adequado da vigilância em saúde pública è essencial para a prevenção dessas doenças por meio de sistemas de informação. O objetivo deste trabalho è fornecer uma plataforma de tecnologia da informação (TI), integrando tecnologias abertas Web GIS e mHealth para a vigilância entomológica do vetor com base em uma colaboração aberta distribuída para a geração de mapas de infestação. Um piloto foi realizado com um grupo focal de 23 estudantes do curso de epidemiologia, que permitiu o registro de l20 elementos em 55 relatórios na Universidad de los Llanos para a geração automática de 2l mapas de calor de sintomas, mosquitos e criadouros, e um mapa de infestação global. Este trabalho sugere uma nova perspectiva de interação e participação colaborativa da comunidade com autoridades de saúde apoiadas por TI.

The spatial-temporal characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Minhang District of Shanghai， 2009‒2020 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease （HFMD） in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2009 to 2020， and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of HFMD. MethodsThe case information of HFMD was collected from the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We used descriptive epidemiological methods to analyze the population characteristics， temporal and spatial distribution of HFMD， the pathogen composition of the case and its changing trend. ResultsFrom 2009 to 2020， a total of 66，198 cases of HFMD were reported in Minhang District， Shanghai， including 377 severe cases （severe case rate 0.57%） and 3 deaths （severs case fatality rate 0.80%）. There were more cases of HFMD in boys than in girls （1.5∶1）. HFMD patients aged under 5 years predominated， accounting for 88.91% of all cases. Majority of the cases （91.42%） were in scattered children （55.80%） and children in kindergartens （35.62%）. The incidence showed a cyclical trend， with low incidence years and high incidence years appearing alternately. The peak period was from April to July， and sometimes there were small peaks during October to December. A total of 12 years time-space scanning analysis revealed 3 clusters. The cluster centers were located in Wujing Town， Huacao Town and Xinzhuang Town， respectively. The proportion of EV71 in common cases was generally decreasing， and reduced to zero in 2019. The proportion of CoxA6 had increased year by year， and reached 75.00% in 2020. CoxA6 became the dominant pathogen in recent years. The number of severe cases had decreased year by year since 2010， and the dominant pathogen was EV71 （90.03% on average） in severe cases. ConclusionThe incidence of HFMD in Minhang District of Shanghai has a downward trend from 2014. The dominant pathogen changes from EV71 to CoxA6， and the dominant pathogen in severe cases is EV71. The discovered temporal and spatial clustering pattern is helpful for in-depth understanding of the distribution and epidemic trend of HFMD in Minhang District， and provides a scientific basis for epidemic prevention and control.

Estratificación del riesgo de muerte por enfermedades no transmisibles asociado a la contaminación ambiental en Cuba / Stratification of the emergence risk of non communicable diseases associated with the environmental contamination in Cuba

Introducción: Las enfermedades no transmisibles representan un importante problema sanitario a nivel mundial, sobre todo para los países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivo: Identificar la variación de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama, de pulmón y de próstata y su posible asociación con la contaminación ambiental. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico a nivel nacional, desde 2000 hasta 2010, tomando como unidad de análisis el municipio. Las enfermedades seleccionadas fueron los tumores malignos, en específico los de mama, de próstata y de pulmón, y se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad acumuladas y tipificadas relacionadas con estos durante este período. Asimismo, se empleó el Sistema de Información Geográfica para confeccionar los mapas de estratificación de riesgo tomando como referencia la tasa nacional y se escogieron las principales fuentes fijas contaminantes de tipo industrial para el análisis de la contaminación atmosférica. Resultados: Fueron elaborados los mapas de estratificación de riesgo de morir por cada una de las enfermedades seleccionadas y se obtuvo el mapa de las principales fuentes fijas contaminantes de tipo industrial; de igual modo, se realizaron otros mapas integrales para explorar la posible asociación entre dichas entidades clínicas y la contaminación ambiental. Conclusiones: El análisis integral de la estratificación del riesgo epidemiológico y ambiental reflejó que los municipios más afectados fueron Mariel, Nuevitas y Moa, así como Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Camagüey y Santiago de Cuba. En Ciudad de La Habana sobresalieron los municipios de Habana Vieja, Regla, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Marianao y Centro Habana.

Introduction: The non communicable diseases represent an important sanitary problem at world level, mainly for the developing countries. Objective: To identify the variation of mortality due to lung, breast and prostate cancer and their possible association with the environmental contamination. Methods: An ecological study at national level was carried out, from 2000 to 2010, taking as analysis unit the municipality. The selected diseases were malignant tumors, specifically those of breast, prostate and lung, and the accumulated typified mortality rates related with these were calculated during this period. Also, the System of Geographical Information was used to make the risk stratification maps, taking as reference the national rate and the main fixed pollutants sources of industrial type were chosen for the analysis of the atmospheric contamination. Results: Maps stratification risk of dying were elaborated for each of the selected diseases and the map of the main fixed pollutants sources of industrial type was obtained; in the same way, other comprehensive maps were elaborated to explore the possible association between these clinical entities and the environmental contamination. Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of the stratification of the epidemiological and environmental risk reflected that the most affected municipalities were Mariel, Nuevitas and Moa, as well as Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba. In Havana the municipalities of Old Havana, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Marianao and Centro Habana stood out.

Telepidemiología en el enfrentamiento a la COVID-19 en la provincia Santiago de Cuba / Telepidemiology in the fight against COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba province

Introducción: Cuba comenzó de manera temprana sus preparativos ante la emergencia por COVID-19 y ha desplegado muchas capacidades científico-técnicas para su enfrentamiento, entre ellas la gestión de sistemas de información geográfica, a cargo de la empresa GEOCUBA. Objetivo: Identificar posibles sitios de riesgo geoespacial relacionados con la transmisión de COVID-19 en Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio ecológico. Se identificaron grupos de transmisión de COVID-19 y riesgos epidemiológicos. Se resumieron variables epidemiológicas, sociales y espaciales. Se realizaron análisis espaciales y sobrevuelos de dron como técnicas de telepidemiología. Resultados: Se identificaron cinco grupos espaciales de transmisión, uno en el municipio Palma Soriano, uno en Contramaestre y tres en Santiago de Cuba. Las distancias espaciales entre casos y confirmados se relacionaron con la forma de transmisión de la COVID-19. Se identificaron bajas tasas de incidencia. Se apreció baja movilidad, cumplimiento de medidas de distanciamiento y protección social. Conclusiones: La creación de un grupo multidisciplinario en Santiago de Cuba, a propuesta de las máximas estructuras del partido y el gobierno, garantizó el despliegue de recursos tecnológicos para el uso de la telepidemiología, lo que permitió la identificación espacial y posterior gestión integral de riesgos ecoepidemiológicos relacionados con la transmisión de COVID-19 en Santiago de Cuba. Las acciones gubernamentales diferenciadas, la percepción de riesgo de la población y la respuesta comunitaria influyeron en las bajas tasas de transmisión y dispersión espacial de la enfermedad, lo que muestra la importancia de la concepción de la salud como producto social(AU)

Introduction: Cuba early started its preparations to face the emergency due to COVID-19 and it has made a deployment of several scientific-technical capacities for it, among them the management of geographical information's systems by GEOCUBA company. Objective: Identify posible sites of geospatial risk related with the transmission of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba province. Methods: It was developed an ecologic study. There were identified groups of COVID-19 transmission and epidemiological risks. Epidemiological, social and spatial variables were resumed. Also there were made spatial analyses and overflights of drones as teleepidemiology techniques. Results: There were identified five spatial groups of transmission: one in Palma Soriano municipality, one in Contramaestre municipality and three in Santiago de Cuba municipality. The spatial distances among the cases and confirmed cases were related with the form of transmission of COVID-19. There were identified low incidence rates. It was noticed low mobility, accomplishment of the social distancing rules and social protection. Conclusions: The creation of a multidisciplinary group in Santiago de Cuba province, as a proposal of the highest level of the Communist Party and the Government, secured the deployment of technologic resources for the use of telepidemiology, and this allowed the spatial identification and further comprehensive management of ecoepidemiologic risks related with the transmission of COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba. The different governmental actions, the perception of risk of the population, and the community response impacted in the low rates of transmission and spatial spreading of the disease, which shows the importance of worthing health as a social productAU)

Research progress on identification and monitoring of the appropriate habitat of Himalayan marmot / 中华地方病学杂志

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is one of the major plague foci in China. Himalayan marmot (hereinafter referred to as the marmot) is the main host animals of the foci. Effective identification and monitoring of its habitat in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is important for active prevention and effective control of the marmot plague epidemic. Spatial information technology is an important means for rapid identification and effective monitoring of marmot. This review analyzed the factors that affect the distribution patterns of marmot habitat, including topographical features, soil properties, vegetation types and cover, climatic conditions and human activities, and reviewed and summarized the progress and shortcomings of relevant research on identifying and monitoring marmot habitat based on spatial information technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information system. Meanwhile, combined with the emerging low-altitude remote sensing, crowdsource data acquisition, machine learning and other big data mining methods, from the perspective of multi-source data, integration of emerging technologies and comprehensive evaluation system, the new ideas of using spatial information technology to quickly identify and effectively monitor the habitat of marmot, was discussed. It is expected to provide technical support for prediction and effective control of marmot plague in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under the background of changing global climate and increasing human activities.

The use of geographical analysis in assessing the impact of patients' home addresses on their participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE@#Geographical analysis is becoming a powerful tool for evaluating the quality of medical services and acquiring fundamental data for medical decision-making. Using geographical analysis, we evaluated the impact of the distance from patients' homes to the hospital on their participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR).@*METHODS@#All patients hospitalized for percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular surgery, congestive heart failure, and aortic diseases were advised to participate in an OCR program after discharge. Using the dataset of our cohort study of OCR from 2004 to 2015 (n = 9,019), we used geographical analysis to investigate the impact of the distance from patients' homes to hospital on their participation in our OCR program.@*RESULTS@#Patients whose road distance from home to hospital was 0-10 km, 10-20 km, and 20-30 km participated more in OCR than those whose road distance was ≧ 30 km (OR 4.34, 95% CI 3.80-4.96; OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.61-3.40; and OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.61-2.23, respectively). Especially in patients with heart failure, the longer the distance, the lesser the participation rate (P < .001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Using geographical analysis, we successfully evaluated the factors influencing patients' participation in OCR. This illustrates the importance of using geographical analysis in future epidemiological and clinical studies.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#UMIN000028435.

Projected Impact of Sea Level Rise on Nigeria’s Coastal City of Calabar in Cross River State

This study projects the impact of sea level rise on Nigeria’s coastal city of Calabar in Cross River State. Data for the study were obtained from both secondary and primary sources through the use of the internet and questionnaire administration respectively. The data were analysed using the geographical information systems (GIS), frequency tables and percentages. The results revealed that at 0.3 m rise in sea level, about 4.56% of the total land area will be covered with flood water. This would affect 159 houses, with approximately 1,431 persons. Further, at 3.0 m rise in sea level, about 10.10% of the area will be flooded, affecting 2012 houses with an estimated population of 18,108 persons. Again, the resilience of the residents to the vagaries of flooding by sea level rise is generally low due to very low income and lack of awareness. The study concluded that Calabar City is vulnerable to the impact of sea level rise which is primarily caused by climate change. Therefore, awareness campaign on the impact of flooding by sea level rise on coastal communities should be carried out by the appropriate agencies of government in the State.

Geospatial analysis and epidemiological aspects of human infections with Blastocystis hominis in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Blastocystis hominis is a very common large intestinal protozoan with global prevalence in humans and non-human hosts. No precise statistics exist regarding the geographical distribution of Blastocystis that would enable the identification of high-risk communities. Therefore, the current research aimed to characterize the spatial patterns and demographic factors associated with B. hominis occurrence in northern Iran.METHODS: The current study was performed among 4,788 individuals referred to health centers in Mazandaran Province, from whom stool samples were obtained. Socio-demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. Samples were examined by a direct wet mount, the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and trichrome staining. Moran local indicators of spatial association and a geographically weighted regression model were utilized to analyze the results.RESULTS: Generally, the infection rate of Blastocystis parasites was 5.2%, and was considerably higher in the age group of 10-14 years (10.6%) than in other age groups (p=0.005). Our data showed important associations between the occurrence of B. hominis and age, residence, job, contact with domestic animals, anti-parasitic drug consumption, and elevation above sea level (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The current study characterized for the first time the infection rate and risk of B. hominis in the north of Iran, and produced a prediction map. It is expected that this map will help policymakers to plan and implement preventive measures in high-risk areas and to manage already-infected patients.

Geospatial analysis and epidemiological aspects of human infections with Blastocystis hominis in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Blastocystis hominis is a very common large intestinal protozoan with global prevalence in humans and non-human hosts. No precise statistics exist regarding the geographical distribution of Blastocystis that would enable the identification of high-risk communities. Therefore, the current research aimed to characterize the spatial patterns and demographic factors associated with B. hominis occurrence in northern Iran. METHODS: The current study was performed among 4,788 individuals referred to health centers in Mazandaran Province, from whom stool samples were obtained. Socio-demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. Samples were examined by a direct wet mount, the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and trichrome staining. Moran local indicators of spatial association and a geographically weighted regression model were utilized to analyze the results. RESULTS: Generally, the infection rate of Blastocystis parasites was 5.2%, and was considerably higher in the age group of 10-14 years (10.6%) than in other age groups (p=0.005). Our data showed important associations between the occurrence of B. hominis and age, residence, job, contact with domestic animals, anti-parasitic drug consumption, and elevation above sea level (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study characterized for the first time the infection rate and risk of B. hominis in the north of Iran, and produced a prediction map. It is expected that this map will help policymakers to plan and implement preventive measures in high-risk areas and to manage already-infected patients.

Geographical Information System (Gis) Application In Tuberculosis Spatial Clustering Studies: A Systematic Review

@#Tuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease that prone to spatial clustering. Recent development has seen a sharp rise in the number of epidemiologic studies employing Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in identifying TB clusters and evidences of etiologic factors. The aim of this systematic review is to determine evidence of TB clustering, type of spatial analysis commonly used and the application of GIS in TB surveillance and control. A literature search of articles published in English language between 2000 and November 2015 was performed using MEDLINE and Science Direct using relevant search terms related to spatial analysis in studies of TB cluster. The search strategy was adapted and developed for each database using appropriate subject headings and keywords. The literature reviewed showed strong evidence of TB clustering occurred in high risk areas in both developed and developing countries. Spatial scan statistics were the most commonly used analysis and proved useful in TB surveillance through detection of outbreak, early warning and identifying area of increased TB transmission. Among others are targeted screening and assessment of TB program using GIS technology. However there were limitations on suitability of utilizing aggregated data such as national cencus that were pre-collected in explaining the present spatial distribution among population at risk. Spatial boundaries determined by zip code may be too large for metropolitan area or too small for country. Nevertheless, GIS is a powerful tool in aiding TB control and prevention in developing countries and should be used for real-time surveillance and decision making.

A descriptive spatial epidemiological study on prevention and control of Keshan disease in China / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To explore the spatial description of Keshan disease(KD)and to provide a basis for reasonable allocation of health resources and for making precision prevention and control strategies. Methods In 2013 and 2014, the KD's condition, prevention and control measures and their effects were investigated in the diseased affected counties in the provinces through combination of case search and key survey. Results A total of 16(100.0%,16/16)diseased provinces,315(96.0%,315/328)diseased counties were surveyed,and 1 562 people with KD were detected in 281 000 residents, the detection rate was 55.6/10 000. Chronic and latent KD detection rates were 8.9/10 000(250)and 46.7/10 000(1 312),respectively.There were 261(82.9%)diseased counties that had reached the control standards of KD,and 54(17.1%)did not meet the control standards,which mainly distributed in the provinces of Henan, Inner Mongolia, Gansu and Shanxi. Conclusions The detection rate of KD has been at a low level, but in Henan, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Shanxi, there are prevalent KD areas that have not yet reached the control level.This part of the areas should be treated as key prevention and control areas of KD.

Spatial analysis for the identification of risk areas for schistosomiasis mansoni in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, 2005-2014

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infectious disease with a worldwide prevalence. The objective of this work is to identify risk areas for schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, during the period from 2005 to 2014. METHODS: We conducted an epidemiological study with secondary data from the Information System Control Program of Schistosomiasis [Sistema de Informação do Programa de Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE)]. Temporal trends were analyzed to obtain the annual percentage change (APC) in the rates of annual prevalence. In addition to the description of general indicators of the disease, the spatial analysis was descriptive, by means of the estimator of intensity kernel, and showed spatial dependence by indicators of global Moran (I) and Local Index of Spatial Association (LISA). Thematic maps of spatial distribution were made, identifying priority intervention areas in need of healthcare. RESULTS: There were 78,663 cases of schistosomiasis, with an average of 8.7% positivity recorded; 79.8% of the cases were treated, and Sergipe showed a decreasing positive trend (APC: -2.78). There was the presence of spatial autocorrelation and a significant global Moran index (I = 0.19; p-value = 0.03). We identified clusters of high-risk areas, mainly located in the northeast and southcentral of the state, which each had equally high infection rates. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decreasing positive trend of schistosomiasis in Sergipe. Spatial analysis identified the geographic distribution of risk and allowed the definition of priority areas for the maintenance and intensification of control interventions.

Spatial Approach of Perinatal Mortality in São Paulo State, 2003-2012 / Análise espacial da mortalidade perinatal no estado de São Paulo, de 2003 a 2012

Abstract Objectives To identifying spatial patterns in the distribution of perinatal mortality in the state of São Paulo from 2003 to 2012. Methods An ecological and exploratory study with data on perinatal mortality rates of every thousand live births, which were registered on the digital database containing 645 municipalities in the state of São Paulo within the periods of 2003 to 2007 and 2008 to 2012. The spatial analysis provided Moran’s index (MI) and thematic maps of rates, and the Moran maps of both periods were drawn. The average rates were compared by Student’s t test. The TerraView 4.2.2 software (INPE, S. José dos Campos, Brazil) was also used. Results There were 49,485 perinatal deaths during the first period, at a rate of 17.90 deaths/1,000 live births (standard deviation [SD] = 7.0; MI = 0.14; p = 0.01), and 44,582 perinatal deaths during the second period, at a rate of 16.40 deaths/1,000 live births (SD = 11.14; MI = 0.04; p = 0.03). These rates are statistically different (p < 0.01). There was a decrease in these rates in 413 municipalities when comparing the two periods. The Moran map has identified 35 municipalities that require special attention, which are located in the Eastern, Southwestern, Western and Northwestern regions of São Paulo state. Conclusion The study provides municipal managers with subsidies so they can minimize these rates by implementing public policies and taking better care of pregnant women and newborns.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar padrões espaciais na distribuição de mortalidade perinatal no Estado de São Paulo no período de 2003 a 2012. Métodos Estudo ecológico e exploratório, com dados sobre as taxas de mortalidade perinatal por mil nascidos vivos e inseridos em malha digital dos 645 municípios do estado de São Paulo entre 2003 e 2007 e 2008 e 2012. A análise espacial forneceu o índice de Moran (IM), e foram construídos mapas temáticos das taxas e o mapa de Moran de ambos os períodos. As taxas médias foram comparadas utilizando o teste t de Student. Utilizou-se o programa Terra View 4.2.2. Resultados Foram 49.485 óbitos perinatais no primeiro período, taxa de 17,90 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos (desvio-padrão [DP] = 7,0; IM = 0,14; p = 0,01), e 44.582 óbitos perinatais no segundo período, taxa de 16,40 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos (DP = 11,14; IM = 0,04; p = 0,03). Estas taxas são diferentes (p < 0,01). Houve diminuição destas taxas em 413 municípios quando comparados os dois períodos. O mapa de Moran identificou 35 municípios localizados nas regiões Leste, Sudoeste, Oeste e Noroeste, que merecem uma atenção especial. Conclusão O estudo fornece subsídios para que os gestores municipais possam minimizar estas taxas, implantando políticas públicas e melhor atendimento às gestantes e recém-nascidos.

GIS platform for real-time monitoring and early warning of forestry schisto-somiasis-control project:a case study in Renshou County,Sichuan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To real?timely monitor the environment in the forestry schistosomiasis control project(CFSCP)area and to early warn the status of Oncomelania hupensis snails in the schistosomiasis endemic area. Methods Based on ArcGIS Engine 10.1 software,the Geographic Information System(GIS)platform of the forestry schistosomiasis project of real?time mon?itoring,early warning and emergency management in Renshou County,Sichuan Province,was designed and established. Re?sults The functions of the platform mainly included real?time monitoring of the environment in CFSCP area,and early warning of the crisis status of O. hupensis snails,as well as editing the map of snail distribution,query,spatial analysis and other GIS functions. Conclusion This platform could provide the scientific support to the forestry administrative department of the CF?SCP area.

Geospatial and clinical analyses on pediatric related road traffic injury in Malaysia / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study is to utilize the geographical information system (GIS) software and perform the spatial analysis in relation to clinical data for road traffi c injury (RTI) pediatric cases attending the emergency department.METHODS: The study sample included pediatric patients (age less than 18 years) with road-related injuries within a district in Malaysia who attended emergency departments of two tertiary hospitals within the district. In addition to injury, pre-hospital care and outcome data, the coordinate of the locations were obtained by the ambulance paramedics by using portable handheld GPS unit brand Garmin? model GPS 72 H. The data was transferred into the excel format which in turn underwent GIS analysis by using ARCGIS? (by ESRI) software version 10.1 licensed to the study institution.RESULTS: A total of 102 (24.8％) of all motor vehicle crash (MVC) victims involved the pediatric age group (age 18 years and below). The mean (SD) age of the pediatric victims was 14.30 years (SD 3.830). Male comprised of 68 (66.7％) of the cases. Motorcyclists [88 (88.0％)] were the most common type of victims involved. Interestingly, the majority of the severely injured victims [75 (73％)] sustained the RTI on roads with maximum speed limit of 60 km/hour. The mean (SD) length of hospital stay was 7.83 days (5.59).CONCLUSION: The pediatric related road traffic injury in Malaysia causes significant health and social burden in the country. This study showed both important clinical and geographical factors that need to be taken into consideration for future preventive action.

Health risks due to pre-harvesting sugarcane burning in São Paulo State, Brazil / Riscos à saúde devido à queima prévia da palha de cana-de-açúcar no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

After 2003, a new period of expansion of the sugarcane culture began in Brazil. Pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane straw is an agricultural practice that, despite the nuisance for the population and pollution generated, still persisted in over 70% of the municipalities of São Paulo State in 2010. In order to study the distribution of this risk factor, an ecological epidemiological study was conducted associating the rates of deaths and hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, for each municipality in the State, with the exposure to the pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane straw. A Bayesian multivariate regression model, controlled for the possible effects of socioeconomic and climate (temperature, humidity, and rainfall) variations, has been used. The effect on health was measured by the standardized mortality and morbidity ratio. The measures of exposure to the pre-harvesting burning used were: percentage of the area of sugarcane harvested with burning, average levels of aerosol, and number of outbreaks of burning. The autocorrelation between data was controlled using a neighborhood matrix. It was observed that the increase in the number of outbreaks of burning was significantly associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for respiratory disease in children under five years old. Pre-harvesting burning of sugarcane effectively imposes risk to population health and therefore it should be eliminated.

Após 2003, teve início um novo período de expansão da cultura da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil. A queima prévia da palha de cana é uma prática agrícola, que, apesar dos incômodos à população e da poluição gerada, ainda persistia em mais de 70% dos municípios do Estado de São Paulo, em 2010. A fim de estudar a distribuição desse fator de risco, realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico ecológico associando as taxas de óbitos e as internações por doenças respiratórias, para cada município do Estado, com a exposição à queima prévia da palha de cana. Foi aplicado um modelo Bayesiano de regressão multivariada, sendo controlado para os possíveis efeitos das variações socioeconômicas e climáticas (temperatura, umidade e precipitação). O efeito sobre a saúde foi medido por meio da razão de mortalidade e morbidade padronizada. Como medidas de exposição à queima prévia foram usadas o percentual da área de cana colhida com queima, os níveis médios de aerossol e a quantidade de focos de queima. A autocorrelação entre os dados foi controlada pelo emprego de uma matriz de vizinhança. Observou-se que o aumento no número de focos de queima esteve associado significativamente com o aumento das internações por doenças respiratórias na faixa etária de menores de cinco anos. A queima prévia da palha da cana-de-açúcar oferece efetivamente risco à saúde da população, portanto sua eliminação deve ser promovida.

Computation of geographic variables for air pollution prediction models in South Korea

Recent cohort studies have relied on exposure prediction models to estimate individual-level air pollution concentrations because individual air pollution measurements are not available for cohort locations. For such prediction models, geographic variables related to pollution sources are important inputs. We demonstrated the computation process of geographic variables mostly recorded in 2010 at regulatory air pollution monitoring sites in South Korea. On the basis of previous studies, we finalized a list of 313 geographic variables related to air pollution sources in eight categories including traffic, demographic characteristics, land use, transportation facilities, physical geography, emissions, vegetation, and altitude. We then obtained data from different sources such as the Statistics Geographic Information Service and Korean Transport Database. After integrating all available data to a single database by matching coordinate systems and converting non-spatial data to spatial data, we computed geographic variables at 294 regulatory monitoring sites in South Korea. The data integration and variable computation were performed by using ArcGIS version 10.2 (ESRI Inc., Redlands, CA, USA). For traffic, we computed the distances to the nearest roads and the sums of road lengths within different sizes of circular buffers. In addition, we calculated the numbers of residents, households, housing buildings, companies, and employees within the buffers. The percentages of areas for different types of land use compared to total areas were calculated within the buffers. For transportation facilities and physical geography, we computed the distances to the closest public transportation depots and the boundary lines. The vegetation index and altitude were estimated at a given location by using satellite data. The summary statistics of geographic variables in Seoul across monitoring sites showed different patterns between urban background and urban roadside sites. This study provided practical knowledge on the computation process of geographic variables in South Korea, which will improve air pollution prediction models and contribute to subsequent health analyses.

Computation of geographic variables for air pollution prediction models in South Korea

Recent cohort studies have relied on exposure prediction models to estimate individual-level air pollution concentrations because individual air pollution measurements are not available for cohort locations. For such prediction models, geographic variables related to pollution sources are important inputs. We demonstrated the computation process of geographic variables mostly recorded in 2010 at regulatory air pollution monitoring sites in South Korea. On the basis of previous studies, we finalized a list of 313 geographic variables related to air pollution sources in eight categories including traffic, demographic characteristics, land use, transportation facilities, physical geography, emissions, vegetation, and altitude. We then obtained data from different sources such as the Statistics Geographic Information Service and Korean Transport Database. After integrating all available data to a single database by matching coordinate systems and converting non-spatial data to spatial data, we computed geographic variables at 294 regulatory monitoring sites in South Korea. The data integration and variable computation were performed by using ArcGIS version 10.2 (ESRI Inc., Redlands, CA, USA). For traffic, we computed the distances to the nearest roads and the sums of road lengths within different sizes of circular buffers. In addition, we calculated the numbers of residents, households, housing buildings, companies, and employees within the buffers. The percentages of areas for different types of land use compared to total areas were calculated within the buffers. For transportation facilities and physical geography, we computed the distances to the closest public transportation depots and the boundary lines. The vegetation index and altitude were estimated at a given location by using satellite data. The summary statistics of geographic variables in Seoul across monitoring sites showed different patterns between urban background and urban roadside sites. This study provided practical knowledge on the computation process of geographic variables in South Korea, which will improve air pollution prediction models and contribute to subsequent health analyses.

Organização, disponibilização e possibilidades de análise de dados sobre desastres de origem climática e seus impactos sobre a saúde no Brasil / Organization, availability and possibility of analysis of disaster data of climate related origin and its impacts on health

A ocorrência de desastres muitas vezes é associada a processos naturais imprevisíveis. No entanto, a análise de grandes bases de dados permite mostrar tendências sazonais e de longo prazo, bem como padrões e áreas onde se concentram riscos. Neste trabalho é descrito o processo de aquisição e organização de dados sobre desastres, coletados pelos órgãos de defesa civil, e disponibilizados pelo Observatório Nacional de Clima e Saúde. As análises preliminares mostram a concentração de eventos desastres causados por chuvas intensas ao longo da costa brasileira, principalmente durante o verão. As secas apresentam maior duração e extensão, atingindo grande parte do sul e nordeste do país. Estes dados podem ser usados para analisar e monitorar o impacto de eventos climáticos extremos sobre a saúde, bem como seus determinantes de vulnerabilidade e clima.

The occurrence of disasters is often related to unforeseeable able natural processes. However, the analysis of major databases may highlight seasonal and long-term trends, as well as some spatial patterns where risks are concentrated. In this paper the process of acquiring and organizing climate-related disaster data collected by civil protection institutions and made available by the Brazilian Climate and Health Observatory is described. Preliminary analyses show the concentration of disasters caused by heavy rainfall events along the Brazilian coastline especially during the summer. Droughts have longer duration and extent, affecting large areas of the south and northeast regions of the country. These data can be used to analyze and monitor the impact of extreme climatic events on health, as well as identify the vulnerability and climate deteminants.

Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of syphilis in Mainland China, 2005-20 1 1 / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To investigate the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of syphilis epidemic in Main-land China in 2005-2011.Methods Geographic information system was established based on the data of syphilis epidemic and demographic information from online reporting system of 3 1 provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions of Mainland China from 2005 to 2011,global indication of spatial autocorrelation(GISA),local indication of spatial autocorrelation (LISA),and spatial-temporal cluster analysis were conducted by GeoDa 0.95i and SaTScan 9.1 .1 software,high risk areas of spatial-temporal distribution of syphilis were determined.Results The number of syphilis in Mainland China in 2005-2011 were 1 841 217 cases,annual incidence was 20.07/100 000,suggesting a sign of obvious cluster distribution.Except 2011,GISA coefficient Moran’s I were statistically different.Accord-ing to LISA analysis,Jiangsu,Shanghai,Zhejiang and Fujian lay in high-high region in 2005-2009,Chongqing lay in high-low region in 2006-2008,and in 2011,no area was found in high-high region.Spatio-temporal cluster anal-ysis showed that the most likely cluster was in Shanghai and Zhejiang (2009-2011);the secondary cluster distribu-ted in five areas,including Guangdong,Guangxi and Hainan (2009-2011),Xinjiang (2009-2011),Liaoning and Jilin (2010-2011),Gansu,Ningxia,Shaanxi,Sichuan,Chongqing,Shanxi and Inner Mongolia (2011),Beijing and Tianjin (2008-2010).Conclusion Significant spatio-temporal cluster pattern is found for the distribution of syphilis in mainland China,which can be meaningful for pertinent control.