Influenza Sentinel Surveillance and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection in a Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We report the results of the active surveillance of influenza infections in hospitalized patients and the evaluation of the seasonality and correlation with temperature and rainfall data. METHODS: During the 2-year study period, 775 patients were tested for 15 respiratory viruses (RVs). RESULTS: Most of the 57% of (n=444) virus-positive samples were human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, 10.4% (n=46) were influenza virus (80% FluA; 20% FluB). Age and SARI were significantly associated with influenza. FluB circulation was higher is 2013. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-epidemic period, influenza remains an important cause of hospitalization in SARI patients.

Seasonal abundance of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fab.) on Solanum melongena L. and natural occurrence of its two hymenopteran parasitoids

ABSTRACT The 28-spotted hadda beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fab. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a poly-phagous pest, commonly infesting solanacious crops including brinjal, Solanum melongena L. Upon its severe infestation on brinjal, it causes considerable damage to the foliage and also to the calyx of fruits. The studies were made to record the seasonal abundance of hadda beetle and identification of its natural enemies present in the region for two consecutive years. The pooled data for two years showed that the maximum number of H. vigintioctopunctata egg clusters on brinjal were recorded in the 27th (0.40 egg cluster/ plant), followed by grub population in 35th (3.78 grubs/ plant), pupae in 33rd and 39th (0.83 pupae/ plant) and adult beetles in 36th (5.48 adults/ plant) standard meteorological weeks, respectively. It was observed that the key meteorological factors had 35.9%, 87.3%, 66.8% and 81.9% effect on the abundance of egg clusters, grubs, pupae and adults respectively in summer planted brinjal crop. Two natural enemies of hadda beetle viz. Tetrastichus sp. (egg parasitoid) and Pediobius foveolatus (pupal parasitoid) were recorded. The maximum parasitisation by Tetrastichus sp. and P. foveolatus on the egg clusters and pupae was recorded 22.64% and 6.62% respectively, during the month of August (34th and 35th standard meteorological week respectively). Further, the morphometric parameters of these two adult parasitoids were recorded and greater morphometric variability was observed in P. foveolatus in comparison to Tetrastichus sp.

Epidemiology and Seasonal Variance of Incidence of Distal Radius Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Fracture of the distal radius is one of the most common fractures encountered in the emergency room. The incidence of distal radius fracture has increased substantially according to several studies that estimated the overall incidence in various general populations. However, there is a paucity of epidemiological data regarding distal radius fracture in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures in the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of the 432 patients who visited the emergency room for distal radius fractures from January 2012 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Authors analyzed the epidemiologic parameters including age, gender, injury mechanism, fracture classification, combined fracture, treatment method and monthly incidence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 53 years (41.6 years in 171 men, 64.5 years in 261 women). The highest incidence in age distribution was the sixth and seventh decade (45.2%) and male to female ratio was 1.0:2.5. Most fractures (78.4%) were caused by a lower energy fall and the most common combined fractures were the ulnar styloid fracture (38.6%). According to the AO classification, 54.5% were type A, 14.5% were type B and 31.0% were type C and 39.2% of the patient underwent surgery for treatment. The incidence of fracture began to rise in November (12.1%) and peaked in December (14.2%). CONCLUSION: This study examined the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures from the patient records of a single University hospital. The epidemiological data gathered in this study could be added to our knowledge of distal radius fractures in the Korean population, thus it enables the Korean surgeon to determine the best management for individual patients.

Prevalence of Malaria in the Highlands of Obudu Cattle Ranch, Nigeria.

Studies on highland malaria have been spurred by reports of rising incidence of the infection at altitudes where the malaria vector was not previously found. Preliminary studies were carried out in Obudu Cattle Ranch communities located at an altitude of 1,585 meters above sea level in the heart of the tropical rainforest of Cross River State of Nigeria; to determine the prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of malaria. The study methodology included the use of questionnaires and secondary data. A four-year prevalence study using malaria data from 2008 to 2011 revealed high transmission rate of malaria on the highlands, with 324 reported cases and a high and fluctuating prevalence rates ranging from 39.61/1000 in 2008 to 68.87/1000 in 2009; and 82.29/1000 in 2010 to 49.1/1000 in 2011. Analysis of seasonal incidence showed higher incidence (68.5%) in the wet season with temperature range of 4°C – 10°C than the dry season with temperature range of 26°C – 32°C. Malaria incidence was significantly related with season and sex (P < 0.05). Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years were the most affected (33.64%); the under-fives constituted 24.69% while the aged, over 60 years of age, constituted 4.62% of total population infected. The study recorded high level of ignorance of disease etiology (62.5%); and negative attitude and practice of malaria treatment, with high preference for self medication (37.5%) and traditional medicine (12.5%). While the study has documented prevalence of mountain malaria in the region, it has set the stage for in-depth inquiry into the role of climate change on malaria incidence and its implications to public health in Nigeria’s most valued mountain resort.

Incidence of Henosepilachna Vigintioctopunctata Fab. on Brinjal in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Field trial was conducted to study the seasonal incidence and influence of abiotic and biotic factors on Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata of brinjal during 2011-12.The incidence of H.vigintioctopunctata started during first week after transplanting with a mean population of 0.81 per planton brinjal crop. The peak incidence was observed during the third week of October with a mean population of 6.98 per plant and the incidence decreased gradually up to crop maturity. Data recorded on effect of abiotic and biotic factors on H.vigintioctopunctata population revealed that the incidence had non-significant relation with a biotic factors like minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and significant relationship with maximum temperature, morning relative humidity and rainfall. The pest population also shows positive and significant correlation with biotic factors like coccinellid beetles as well as spiders.