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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Bengtsson, Linus, et al.
(author)
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Commentary: containing the Ebola outbreak-the potential and challenge of mobile network data
- 2014
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In: Plos Currents. - : Public Library of Science. - 2157-3999. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ongoing Ebola outbreak is taking place in one of the most highly connected and densely populated regions of Africa (Figure 1A). Accurate information on population movements is valuable for monitoring the progression of the outbreak and predicting its future spread, facilitating the prioritization of interventions and designing surveillance and containment strategies. Vital questions include how the affected regions are connected by population flows, which areas are major mobility hubs, what types of movement typologies exist in the region, and how all of these factors are changing as people react to the outbreak and movement restrictions are put in place. Just a decade ago, obtaining detailed and comprehensive data to answer such questions over this huge region would have been impossible. Today, such valuable data exist and are collected in real-time, but largely remain unused for public health purposes - stored on the servers of mobile phone operators. In this commentary, we outline the utility of CDRs for understanding human mobility in the context of the Ebola, and highlight the need to develop protocols for rapid sharing of operator data in response to public health emergencies.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Brooks, Christopher, et al.
(author)
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Rapid and near real-time assessments of population displacement using mobile phone data following disasters: the 2015 Nepal Earthquake
- 2016
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In: Plos Currents. - : Public Library of Science. - 2157-3999. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sudden impact disasters often result in the displacement of large numbers of people. These movements can occur prior to events, due to early warning messages, or take place post-event due to damages to shelters and livelihoods as well as a result of long-term reconstruction efforts. Displaced populations are especially vulnerable and often in need of support. However, timely and accurate data on the numbers and destinations of displaced populations are extremely challenging to collect across temporal and spatial scales, especially in the aftermath of disasters. Mobile phone call detail records were shown to be a valid data source for estimates of population movements after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, but their potential to provide near real-time ongoing measurements of population displacements immediately after a natural disaster has not been demonstrated.Methods: A computational architecture and analytical capacity were rapidly deployed within nine days of the Nepal earthquake of 25th April 2015, to provide spatiotemporally detailed estimates of population displacements from call detail records based on movements of 12 million de-identified mobile phones users.Results: Analysis shows the evolution of population mobility patterns after the earthquake and the patterns of return to affected areas, at a high level of detail. Particularly notable is the movement of an estimated 390,000 people above normal from the Kathmandu valley after the earthquake, with most people moving to surrounding areas and the highly-populated areas in the central southern area of Nepal.Discussion: This analysis provides an unprecedented level of information about human movement after a natural disaster, provided within a very short timeframe after the earthquake occurred. The patterns revealed using this method are almost impossible to find through other methods, and are of great interest to humanitarian agencies.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Debacker, Michel, et al.
(author)
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Utstein-style template for uniform data reporting of acute medical response in disasters
- 2012
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In: PLOS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 4, s. e4f6cf3e8df15a-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In 2003, the Task Force on Quality Control of Disaster Management (WADEM) published guidelines for evaluation and research on health disaster management and recommended the development of a uniform data reporting tool. Standardized and complete reporting of data related to disaster medical response activities will facilitate the interpretation of results, comparisons between medical response systems and quality improvement in the management of disaster victims.METHODS: Over a two-year period, a group of 16 experts in the fields of research, education, ethics and operational aspects of disaster medical management from 8 countries carried out a consensus process based on a modified Delphi method and Utstein-style technique.RESULTS: The EMDM Academy Consensus Group produced an Utstein-style template for uniform data reporting of acute disaster medical response, including 15 data elements with indicators, that can be used for both research and quality improvement.CONCLUSION: It is anticipated that the Utstein-style template will enable better and more accurate completion of reports on disaster medical response and contribute to further scientific evidence and knowledge related to disaster medical management in order to optimize medical response system interventions and to improve outcomes of disaster victims.
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| 9. |
- Djalali, A, et al.
(author)
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Art of Disaster Preparedness in European Union:a Survey on the Health Systems. PLOS Currents Disasters. Dec 17 ed 1
- 2014
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In: PLOS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Naturally occurring and man-made disasters have been increasing in the world, including Europe, over the past several decades. Health systems are a key part of any community disaster management system. The success of preparedness and prevention depends on the success of activities such as disaster planning, organization and training. The aim of this study is to evaluate health system preparedness for disasters in the 27 European Union member countries. Method: A cross-sectional analysis study was completed between June-September 2012. The checklist used for this survey was a modified from the World Health Organization toolkit for assessing health-system capacity for crisis management. Three specialists from each of the 27 European Union countries were included in the survey. Responses to each survey question were scored and the range of preparedness level was defined as 0-100%, categorized in three levels as follows: Acceptable; Transitional; or Insufficient. Results: Response rate was 79.1%. The average level of disaster management preparedness in the health systems of 27 European Union member states was 68% (Acceptable). The highest level of preparedness was seen in the United Kingdom, Luxemburg, and Lithuania. Considering the elements of disaster management system, the highest level of preparedness score was at health information elements (86%), and the lowest level was for hospitals, and educational elements (54%). Conclusion: This survey study suggests that preparedness level of European Union countries in 2012 is at an acceptable level but could be improved. Elements such as hospitals and education and training suffer from insufficient levels of preparedness. The European Union health systems need a collective strategic plan, as well as enough resources, to establish a comprehensive and standardized disaster management strategy plan. A competency based training curriculum for managers and first responders is basic to accomplishing this goal.
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| 10. |
- Djalali, Ahmadreza, et al.
(author)
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The hospital incident command system: modified model for hospitals in iran.
- 2015
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In: PLoS currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Effectiveness of hospital management of disasters requires a well-defined and rehearsed system. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), as a standardized method for command and control, was established in Iranian hospitals, but it has performed fairly during disaster exercises. This paper describes the process for, and modifications to HICS undertaken to optimize disaster management in hospitals in Iran.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Eriksson, Anneli, et al.
(author)
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Who Is Worst Off? : Developing a Severity-scoring Model of Complex Emergency Affected Countries in Order to Ensure Needs Based Funding
- 2015
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In: PLOS Currents. - 2157-3999. ; :November 3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Disasters affect close to 400 million people each year. Complex Emergencies (CE) are a category of disaster that affects nearly half of the 400 million and often last for several years. To support the people affected by CE, humanitarian assistance is provided with the aim of saving lives and alleviating suffering. It is widely agreed that funding for this assistance should be needs-based. However, to date, there is no model or set of indicators that quantify and compare needs from one CE to another. In an effort to support needs-based and transparent funding of humanitarian assistance, the aim of this study is to develop a model that distinguishes between levels of severity among countries affected by CE.Methods: In this study, severity serves as a predictor for level of need. The study focuses on two components of severity: vulnerability and exposure. In a literature and Internet search we identified indicators that characterize vulnerability and exposure to CE. Among the more than 100 indicators identified, a core set of six was selected in an expert ratings exercise. Selection was made based on indicator availability and their ability to characterize preexisting or underlying vulnerabilities (four indicators) or to quantify exposure to a CE (two indicators). CE from 50 countries were then scored using a 3-tiered score (Low-Moderate, High, Critical). Results: The developed model builds on the logic of the Utstein template. It scores severity based on the readily available value of four vulnerability and four exposure indicators. These are 1) GNI per capita, PPP, 2) Under-five mortality rate, per 1 000 live births, 3) Adult literacy rate, % of people ages 15 and above, 4) Underweight, % of population under 5 years, and 5) number of persons and proportion of population affected, and 6) number of uprooted persons and proportion of population uprooted.Conclusion: The model can be used to derive support for transparent, needs-based funding of humanitarian assistance. Further research is needed to determine its validity, the robustness of indicators and to what extent levels of scoring relate to CE outcome.
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| 13. |
- Fasth, Tobias, et al.
(author)
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VirSim - a model to support pandemic policy making
- 2010
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In: PLOS Currents. - 2157-3999. ; 2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A simulation model called VirSim was developed to aid policy making in Sweden. The model simulates the spread of pandemic influenza, using real population data on a national and regional level. Swedish authorities wanted a model that was both quick to run and to implement as a complement to the existing model MicroSim. The possibility to interactively investigate the effect of varying different assumptions was an important aspect. The VirSim model proved useful for comparing different interventions strategies, and for forecasting the societal burden in terms of hospitalization and workplace absenteeism. This paper points out the usefulness of System Dynamics models in public policy making, as a complement to more detailed and time-consuming models.
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| 14. |
- Hugelius, Karin, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Facebook Enables Disaster Research Studies : The Use of Social Media to Recruit Participants in a Post-Disaster Setting
- 2017
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In: PLOS Currents. - : Public Library of Science. - 2157-3999. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Disaster research entails several methodological challenges, given the context of a disaster. This article aims to describe and evaluate the use of Facebook as a tool to recruit participants for a self-selected Internet sample using a web-based survey in a post-disaster setting in the Philippines after the Haiyan typhoon hit parts of the country in November 2013.METHOD: An invitation to a web-based survey about health was posted on several Facebook pages during a ten-day period.RESULTS: In total, 443 individuals who had survived the Haiyan typhoon participated in the study. The demographics of the study sample were similar to the general demographics in the Philippines, considering gender, age distribution and level of education.DISCUSSION: The study showed that the use of social media to recruit participants for disaster research could limit several of the practical and ethical challenges connected to disaster research. However, the method demands access to the Internet and requires several strategic considerations, particularly concerning non-probability sample biases and generalization as well as an active approach from the researcher.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Mccourt, Andy, et al.
(author)
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Characterization of Gastric Mucosa Biopsies Reveals Alterations in Huntington's Disease.
- 2015
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In: PLoS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Weight loss is an important complication of Huntington's disease (HD), however the mechanism for weight loss in HD is not entirely understood. Mutant huntingtin is expressed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and, in HD mice, mutant huntingtin inclusions are found within the enteric nervous system along the GI tract. A reduction of neuropeptides, decreased mucosal thickness and villus length, as well as gut motility impairment, have also been shown in HD mice. We therefore set out to study gastric mucosa of patients with HD, looking for abnormalities of mucosal cells using immunohistochemistry. In order to investigate possible histological differences related to gastric acid production, we evaluated the cell density of acid producing parietal cells, as well as gastrin producing cells (the endocrine cell controlling parietal cell function). In addition, we looked at chief cells and somatostatin-containing cells. In gastric mucosa from HD subjects, compared to control subject biopsies, a reduced expression of gastrin (a marker of G cells) was found. This is in line with previous HD mouse studies showing reduction of GI tract neuropeptides.
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| 17. |
- Moreira Soares Oliveira, Bernardo, et al.
(author)
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Exploratory Profiling of Urine MicroRNAs in the dy2J/dy2J Mouse Model of LAMA2-CMD : Relation to Disease Progression
- 2018
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In: PLoS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are being considered as non-invasive biomarkers for disease progression and clinical trials. Congenital muscular dystrophy with deficiency of laminin α2 chain (LAMA2-CMD) is a very severe form of muscular dystrophy, for which no treatment is available. In order to identify LAMA2-CMD biomarkers we have profiled miRNAs in urine from the dy2J /dy2J mouse model of LAMA2-CMD at three distinct time points (representing asymptomatic, initial and established disease). We demonstrate that unique groups of miRNAs are differentially expressed at each time point. We suggest that urine miRNAs can be sensitive biomarkers for different stages of LAMA2-CMD.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Nguyen, Huu Phuc, et al.
(author)
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Serum levels of a subset of cytokines show high interindividual variability and are not altered in rats transgenic for Huntington´s disease.
- 2010
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In: PLoS Currents. - 2157-3999. ; 2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To evaluate whether cytokines are altered in peripheral blood of rats transgenic for the human Huntington´s disease mutation we investigated serum levels of GRO/KC, IL-1β, IL-13 and TNF-α at a symptomatic stage at 12 months of age. Overall serum levels of these cytokines were not significantly changed between transgenic HD rats and controls. Moreover, we observed a high interindividual variability. Our results indicate that these cytokines will be difficult to pursue as biomarkers in at least this rat model of HD.
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| 21. |
- Peyravi, Mahmoudreza, et al.
(author)
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Can Medical Decision-making at the Scene by EMS Staff Reduce the Number of Unnecessary Ambulance Transportations, but Still Be Safe?
- 2015
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In: PLOS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; :June 30
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedures adopted by the staff of the Shiraz Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the outcome of the patients discharged from the scene over a one-year period. Background: Unnecessary use of ambulances results in the overloading of EMS and the over-crowding of emergency departments. Medical assessment at the scene by EMS staff may reduce these issues. In an earlier study in Shiraz, 36% of the patients were left at home/discharged directly from the scene with or without treatment by EMS staff after consulting a physician at the dispatch center. However, there has been no evaluation of this system with regard to mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data on all missions performed by the Shiraz EMS (2012-2013) were reviewed. All the patients discharged from the scene by the EMS staff on the 5th, 15th, and 25th days of each month were included. A questionnaire with nine questions was designed, and available patients/relatives were interviewed prospectively (2014; follow-up period 4-12 months). Results: Out of 3019 cases contacted, 994 (almost 33%) replied. There were 26%-93% reductions in the complaints in all disease categories. A group of the patients left the scene at their own will. Of those who were discharged by the EMS staff at the scene, over 60% were without any complaints. Twelve out of 253 patients died after they were sent home by the EMS staff. Conclusions: Patients may be discharged at the scene by EMS staff and after consulting a physician. However, there is a need for a solid protocol to ensure total patient safety. This calls for a prospective study.
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| 22. |
- Raju, Emmanuel
(author)
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Housing reconstruction in disaster recovery: a study of fishing communities post-tsunami in chennai, India.
- 2013
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In: PLoS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Disaster recovery after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 led to a number of challenges and raised issues concerning land rights and housing reconstruction in the affected countries. This paper discusses the resistance to relocation of fishing communities in Chennai, India. Qualitative research methods were used to describe complexities in the debate between the state and the community regarding relocation, and the paper draws attention to the dimensions of the state-community interface in the recovery process. The results of this study highlight the effects of differences in the values held by each of the stakeholders regarding relocation, the lack of community participation, and thereby the interfaces that emerge between the state and the community regarding relocation. The failure to establish a nexus between disaster recovery and the importance of a sustainable livelihood for fishing communities severely delayed housing reconstruction.
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| 23. |
- Rivera, Claudia
(author)
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Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Disaster Risk Reduction in Urban Contexts: Perceptions and Practice
- 2014
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In: PLoS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper analyses the perceptions of disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners concerning the on-going integration of climate change adaptation (CCA) into their practices in urban contexts in Nicaragua. Understanding their perceptions is important as this will provide information on how this integration can be improved. Exploring the perceptions of practitioners in Nicaragua is important as the country has a long history of disasters, and practitioners have been developing the current DRR planning framework for more than a decade. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews designed to collect information about practitioners’ understanding of: (a) CCA, (b) the current level of integration of CCA into DRR and urban planning, (c) the opportunities and constraints of this integration, and (d) the potential to adapt cities to climate change. The results revealed that practitioners’ perception is that the integration of CCA into their practice is at an early stage, and that they need to improve their understanding of CCA in terms of a development issue. Three main constraints on improved integration were identified: (a) a recognized lack of understanding of CCA, (b) insufficient guidance on how to integrate it, and (c) the limited opportunities to integrate it into urban planning due to a lack of instruments and capacity in this field. Three opportunities were also identified: (a) practitioners’ awareness of the need to integrate CCA into their practices, (b) the robust structure of the DRR planning framework in the country, which provides a suitable channel for facilitating integration, and (c) the fact that CCA is receiving more attention and financial and technical support from the international community.
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| 24. |
- Tjensvoll Kitching, George, et al.
(author)
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Exploring the Role of Ad Hoc Grassroots Organizations Providing Humanitarian Aid on Lesvos, Greece
- 2016
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In: PLOS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Syrian refugees displaced into Turkey have attempted high-risk sea migrations to reach safer destinations in Europe, most often initially arriving on the Greek island of Lesvos. These refugees were often in need of basic humanitarian assistance that has been provided in part by a new category of ad hoc grassroots organizations (AHGOs). The aim of this study was to understand the internal and external operations of these AHGOs and their role on Lesvos.METHODS: The experiences of AHGOs were investigated through a qualitative research design utilizing semi-structured interviews with organization leaders and spokespersons. AHGOs identified through media and social media sources as new Lesvos-specific organizations were purposively invited to complete an interview over phone, Skype or email. Data analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed by Systematic Text Condensation.RESULTS: Forty-one organizations were contacted and 13 interviews were conducted. Most organizations were formed in autumn 2015 responding to the greater influx of refugees and migrants at that time and reported an absence of professional humanitarian agencies providing aid on Lesvos. Three categories emerged from the material. Features of organizations; Features of volunteers and; Evolution of AHGOs. The organizations perceived themselves capable of evaluating needs, mobilizing resources, funding and providing quick response. The volunteers came with limited humanitarian experience and from a wide variety of nationalities and professional backgrounds, and the organizations developed while on Lesvos.DISCUSSION: Knowledge from our findings of AHGOs response to this complex disaster on Lesvos could be utilized in future catastrophes. We conclude that AHGOs may prove effective at providing humanitarian aid in a surge response when international non-governmental organizations are unable to respond quickly. In future complex disasters AHGOs should be recognized as new humanitarian actors and conditions should be made favourable for their operations.
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| 25. |
- Träger, Ulrike, et al.
(author)
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JAK/STAT Signalling in Huntington's Disease Immune Cells.
- 2013
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In: PLoS Currents. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 2157-3999. ; 5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Both central and peripheral innate immune activation have been described as features of the disease. Isolated human HD monocytes have been shown to produce more cytokines upon LPS stimulation compared to control monocytes. Understanding alterations in the signalling cascades responsible and activated by this increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production is crucial in understanding the molecular basis of this phenomenon. Here we investigated the signalling cascade most commonly activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 - the JAK/STAT signalling cascade. Using flow cytometry, we show that one out of three key transcription factors activated by JAK/STAT signalling is altered in primary human HD innate immune cells, suggesting that this pathway may only play a minor, additive role in the immune cell dysfunction in HD.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Wild, Edward, et al.
(author)
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Abnormal peripheral chemokine profile in Huntington's disease.
- 2011
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In: PLoS Currents. - 2157-3999. ; 3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both neurological and systemic abnormalities. Immune activation is a well-established feature of the HD brain and we have previously demonstrated a widespread, progressive innate immune response detectable in plasma throughout the course of HD. In the present work we used multiplex ELISA to quantify levels of chemokines in plasma from controls and subjects at different stages of HD. We found an altered chemokine profile tracking with disease progression, with significant elevations of five chemokines (eotaxin-3, MIP-1β, eotaxin, MCP-1 and MCP-4) while three (eotaxin-3, MIP-1β and eotaxin) showed significant linear increases across advancing disease stages. We validated our results in a separate sample cohort including subjects at different stages of HD. Here we saw that chemokine levels (MCP-1 and eotaxin) correlated with clinical scores. We conclude that, like cytokines, chemokines may be linked to the pathogenesis of HD, and that immune molecules may be valuable in tracking and exploring the pathogenesis of HD.
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