Beyond Stitches: Analysis of Disease Burden in a Bangladeshi RMG Factory

Introduction: Bangladesh has experienced remarkable growth in RMG over the past 25 years. With the knitwear industry providing more than 4 million direct jobs, providing better occupational health and safety of workers remains a challenge. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to analyze the disease burden of a RMG factory, and to highlight occupational health risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed for this analysis. A 17-month data entry (January 2020 - May 2021) was gathered from the factory in-house clinic. The socio-demographic and clinical diagnosis entries of 8421 entries were analyzed. Result: The population of the factory workers is 5370, where 40% (2148) are female workers and 60% (3222) are male workers. The mean age of respondents is 30 years, with a SD of ±7 years. Among the chief complaints, the most common was vomiting (14%;2262) fever (14%;2247), runny nose (11%;1842), cough (9%;1465), and loose motion (8%;1364). In the diagnosis categories, gastrointestinal diseases were more predominantly diagnosed (35%;2978), followed by viral fever (21%;1772), neurological diseases (16.5%;1389) and musculoskeletal disorders (9%;768). The average cost of medicine for each respondent is BDT 36. The factory covered costs of all medication for 99% (8380) of respondents. Only 0.5% (37) was referred to a tertiary hospital for further evaluation. Conclusion: Garments workers suffer mostly from long-term occupational health hazards. Factory owners and policy makers can contribute in various ways to improving primary healthcare options for workers.

Burden of gallstone disease in the United States population:Prepandemic rates and trends

BACKGROUND Gallstone disease is one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States and leads to significant morbidity,mortality,and health care utilization.AIM To expand on earlier findings and investigate prepandemic rates and trends in the gallstone disease burden in the United States using national survey and claims databases.METHODS The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey,National Inpatient Sample,Nationwide Emergency Department Sample,Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample,Vital Statistics of the United States,Optum Clinformatics®Data Mart,and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare 5%Sample and Medicaid files were used to estimate claims-based prevalence,medical care including cholecystectomy,and mortality with a primary or other gallstone diagnosis.Rates were age-adjusted(for national databases)and shown per 100000 population.RESULTS Gallstone disease prevalence(claims-based,2019)was 0.70%among commercial insurance enrollees,1.03%among Medicaid beneficiaries,and 2.09%among Medicare beneficiaries and rose over the previous decade.Recently,in the United States population,gallstone disease contributed to approximately 2.2 million ambulatory care visits,1.2 million emergency department visits,625000 hospital discharges,and 2000 deaths annually.Women had higher medical care rates with a gallstone disease diagnosis,but mortality rates were higher among men.Hispanics had higher ambulatory care visit and hospital discharge rates compared with Whites,but not mortality rates.Blacks had lower ambulatory care visit and mortality rates,but similar hospital discharge rates compared with whites.During the study period,ambulatory care and emergency department visit rates with a gallstone disease diagnosis rose,while hospital discharge and mortality rates declined.Among commercial insurance enrollees,rates were higher compared with national data for ambulatory care visits and hospitalizations,but lower for emergency department visits.Cholecystectomies performed in the United States included 605000 ambulatory laparoscopic,280000 inpatient laparoscopic,and 49000 inpatient open procedures annually.Among commercial insurance enrollees,rates were higher compared with national data for laparoscopic procedures.CONCLUSION The gallstone disease burden in the United States is substantial and increasing,particularly among women,Hispanics,and older adults with laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the mainstay treatment.Current practice patterns should be monitored for better health care access.

Bridging the gap:Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The BE-FIT-IBD study”published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroen-terology 2023;29(41):5668-5682.Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale,with detrimental impacts on quality of life.While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease,physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD.Chronic pain,fatigue,and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients,while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity.Physical activity(PA)is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life,while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study,focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy,revealed that a significant proportion(42.9%)were physically inactive.This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease.The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles.Moreover,physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients,having a great impact on employment status.Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood,reduce anxiety,and enhance mental health.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management,emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD.Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD,potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods.As such,it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients,dispel misconceptions,and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to High Temperature in 204 Countries and Territories from 1990 to 2019

Objective This study aimed to estimate spatiotemporal variations of global heat-related cardiovascular disease(CVD)burden from 1990 to 2019.Methods Data on the burden of heat-related CVD were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Deaths and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were used to quantify heat-induced CVD burden.We calculated the age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR)and DALY rate(ASDR)per 100,000population to compare this burden across regions.Generalized linear models were applied to evaluate estimated annual percentage changes(EAPC)for temporal trends from 1990 to 2019.The correlation between the socio-demographic index(SDI)and age-standardized rate was measured using the Spearman rank test.Results Heat-induced CVD caused approximately 90 thousand deaths worldwide in 2019.Global ASMR and ASDR of heat-related CVD in 2019 were 1.17[95%confidence interval(CI):0.13-1.98]and 25.59(95%CI:2.07-44.17)per 100,000 population,respectively.The burden was significantly increased in middle and low-SDI regions and slightly decreased in high-SDI regions from 1990 to 2019.ASMR showed an upward trend,with the most considerable increase in low-latitude countries.We observed a negative correlation between SDI and EAPC in ASMR(rs=-0.57,P<0.01)and ASDR(rs=-0.59,P<0.01)among204 countries.Conclusion Heat-attributable CVD burden substantially increased in most developing countries and tropical regions.

Global burden of inflammatory bowel disease 1990-2019:A systematic examination of the disease burden and twenty-year forecast

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is an idiopathic intestinal disease with various levels and trends in different countries and regions.Understanding the current burden and trends of IBD in various geographical locations is essential to establish effective strategies for prevention and treatment.We report the average annual percentage change(AAPC)and estimated annual percentage change(EAPC)in age-standardized rates(ASR)of IBD in different regions based on the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)study from 1990-2019,and the relationships between IBD and the human development index(HDI)and socio-demographic index(SDI).The prevalence trends of IBD were predicted by gender from 2019-2039.AIM To comprehensively investigate IBD data,providing further insights into the management of this chronic disease.METHODS We collected the information on the incidence of IBD from the GBD study from 1990-2019 to calculate the AAPC and EAPC in ASR of IBD in different regions.The relationships between IBD,HDI,and SDI were analyzed.The Nordpred and Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used to predict the prevalence trends of IBD by gender from 2019-2039,and the reliability of the results was validated.RESULTS North America consistently had the highest IBD ASR,while Oceania consistently had the lowest.East Asia had the fastest average annual growth in ASR(2.54%),whereas Central Europe had the fastest decline(1.38%).Countries with a low age-standardized incidence rates in 1990 showed faster growth in IBD while there was no significant correlation in 2019.Additionally,IBD increased faster in countries with a low age-standardized death rates in 1990,whereas the opposite was true in 2019.Analysis of SDI and IBD ASR showed that countries with a high SDI generally had a higher IBD ASR.Finally,the projections showed a declining trend in the incidence of IBD from 2019-2039,but a gradual increase in the number of cases.CONCLUSION As the global population increases and ages,early monitoring and prevention of IBD is important to reduce the disease burden,especially in countries with a high incidence of IBD.

Epidemiological and Disease Burden Profiles of Leukemias and Malignant Lymphomas: Overview and Trends in the Republic of Moldova and Worldwide

Introduction: Hematological malignancies (HM) are relatively frequent nosological entities within the structure of morbidity by malignant tumors, exhibiting a severe evolution, restrained prognosis and negative socio-economic impact in the advanced stages and phases. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the epidemiological patterns, and to evaluate the epidemiological trends and disease burden issues of HM in the Republic of Moldova and worldwide. Materials and Methods: The following research methods were used: epidemiological, descriptive statistics, clinico-analytic. The diagnosis was proved in all cases by histopathological, cytological, cytogenetic, molecular and immunophenotyping examinations. The qualitative type researches were performed and enriched by the narrative synthesis of the data. From the specialized international bibliographic sources and official statistics concerning HM. The narrative review of the reference sources was fulfilled in the form of a synthesis. Results: The number of newly diagnosed and followed-up patients with HM at the Institute of Oncology in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 amounted respectively to 725, 802, 613, 628, 536 and 528, the incidence (new cases per 100,000 population) being 17.6, 19.5, 14.9, 17.7, 15.1 and 20.3. In 2021 HM constituted 6.2% of all newly-diagnosed cases with malignant tumors in the Republic of Moldova. In the same year Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed in 10.04% of cases, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas—in 31.63%, multiple myeloma and plasma cells neoplasms—in 7.77%, lymphoid leukemias—in 17.42%, myeloid leukemias—in 12.31%, monocytic leukemias—in 0.95%, and other leukemias—in 16.29%. In 2019 the male rate was 51.5%, and the female rate—48.5%. Within 2 years males were 266 (50.4%), females—262 (49.6%). The age of 50 - 79 years prevailed in both genders (males—65%, females—72.5%). The children constituted 4.0% of the newly diagnosed cases, 4.8% of those under the follow-up at the end of the year 2019 and 6.4% of the newly diagnosed cases in 2021. The disease span from the onset to diagnosis ranged between 1 - 24 months and constituted on average 5.63 months, without a significant difference as compared to 2019 (5.76 months). The incidence of HM in Western countries is 14 - 19 new cases per 100,000 population (4% of all cases with malignant tumors). The incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas increased by 45% between 2006 and 2016, from 319,078 to 461,000 cases. Between 2006 and 2016, the incidence of leukemias increased by 26%, from 37,000,000 to 467,000 cases. Conclusions: The epidemiological study revealed slightly lower morbidity by HM in the Republic of Moldova as compared to the West European countries mainly due to the migration of a workable population. The patients with malignant lymphomas, male gender and age categories of 50 - 79 years proved to be commonly registered epidemiological patterns. The narrative analysis of the literature revealed that patients with HM may experience a considerable disease burden with a negative impact on their employment status, working productivity and annual household income.

Global burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,1990-2019

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become the leading cause of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases(COCLDs).AIM To conduct a comprehensive and comparable updated analysis of the global,regional,and national burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD in 204 countries and territories from 1990 and 2019 by age,sex,and sociodemographic index.METHODS Data on COCLDs due to NAFLD were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases,Injuries,and Risk Factors Study 2019.Numbers and age-standardized prevalence,death,and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were estimated through a systematic analysis of modelled data from the Global Burden of Diseases,Injuries,and Risk Factors Study 2019.The estimated annual percentage change was used to determine the burden trend.RESULTS In 2019,the global age-standardized prevalence rate of COCLDs due to NAFLD was 15022.90 per 100000 population[95%uncertainty interval(UI):13493.19-16764.24],which increased by 24.51%(22.63%to 26.08%)from 1990,with an estimated annual percentage change of 0.78(95%confidence interval:0.74-0.82).In the same year,however,the age-standardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs per 100000 population were 1.66(95%UI:1.20-2.17)and 43.69(95%UI:31.28-58.38),respectively.North Africa and the Middle East had the highest prevalence rates of COCLDs due to NAFLD.The death rate increased with age up to the 95+age group for both sexes.Males had higher numbers of prevalence,death rate,and DALYs than females across all age groups before the 65-69 age group.The sociodemographic index was negatively correlated with the age-standardized DALYs.CONCLUSION Globally,the age-standardized prevalence rate has increased during the past three decades.However,the agestandardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs decreased.There is geographical variation in the burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD.It is strongly recommended to improve the data quality of COCLDs due to NAFLD across all countries and regions to facilitate better monitoring of the burden of COCLDs due to NAFLD.

Global, regional, and national burden of gallbladder and biliary diseases from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND Gallbladder and biliary diseases(GABDs)are a major public health issue.AIM To analysis the cause-specific incidence,prevalence,and years lived with disability(YLDs)and its temporal trends of GABDs at the global,regional,and national level.Data on GABD were available from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.METHODS The estimated annual percentage change(EAPC)was used to quantify temporal trend in GABD age-standardized incidence rates(ASIRs),age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR),and age-standardized YLD rate(ASYR)by region,sex.We analyzed the relationship between the GABD burden and country development level using the human development index(HDI).RESULTS In 2019,the incident cases of GABD were 52003772,with an ASIR of 63432/100000 population.Globally,the number of incident cases and ASIR of GABD increased 97%and 58.9%between 1990 and 2019.Although,the ASPR and ASYR decreased from 1990 to 2019,the number of prevalent and YLDs cases increased.The highest ASIR was observed in Italy,and the highest ASPR and ASYR was observed in United Kingdom.The highest burden of GABD was found in low-SDI region,and the burden in female was significantly higher than males.A generally negative correlation(ρ=-0.24,P<0.05)of GABD with the EAPC and human development index(HDI)(in 2021)were observed for ASIR.What’s more,no correlation in ASPR(ρ=-0.06,P=0.39)and ASYR(ρ=-0.07,P=0.36)of GABD with the EAPC and HDI(in 2021)were observed,respectively.CONCLUSION GABD remain a major global public health challenge;however,the burden of GABD varies geographically.Globally,the number of incident cases and ASIR of GABD increased between 1990 and 2019.The results of our study provide insight into the global disease burden of GABD and may assist policymakers in formulating effective policies to mitigate modifiable risk factors.

Burden of Cirrhosis and Other Chronic Liver Diseases Caused by Specific Etiologies in China, 1990-2016:Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Objective To estimate the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases caused by specific etiologies in China.Methods Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016(GBD 2016)were used.We evaluated the burden by analyzing age-sex-province-specific prevalence,mortality,and disability-adjusted lifeyears(DALYs)of 33 provinces in China.Results From 1990 to 2016,prevalence cases in thousands increased by 73.7%from 6833.3(95%UI:6498.0–7180.6)to 11869.6(95%UI:11274.6–12504.7).Age-standardized mortality and DALY rates per100,000 decreased by 51.2%and 53.3%,respectively.Male and elderly people(aged≥60 years)preponderance were found for prevalence,mortality,and DALYs.The number of prevalence cases,deaths,and DALYs due to hepatitis C virus(HCV)increased by 86.6%,8.7%,and 0.9%,respectively.Also,age-standardized prevalence rates decreased in 31 provinces,but increased in Yunnan and Shandong.The Socio-demographic Index(SDI)values were negatively correlated with age-standardized mortality and DALY rates by provinces in 2016;the correlation coefficients were-0.817 and-0.828,respectively.Conclusion Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases remain a huge health burden in China,with the increase of population and the aging of population.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)remains the leading cause of the health burden in China.

Changing trends of disease burden of gastric cancer in China from 1990 to 2019 and its predictions:Findings from Global Burden of Disease Study

Objective:China is one of the countries with the heaviest burden of gastric cancer(GC)in the world.Understanding the epidemiological trends and patterns of GC in China can contribute to formulating effective prevention strategies.Methods:The data on incidence,mortality,and disability-adjusted life-years(DALYs)of GC in China from1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study(2019).The estimated annual percentage change(EAPC)was calculated to evaluate the temporal trends of disease burden of GC,and the package Nordpred in the R program was used to perform an age-period-cohort analysis to predict the numbers and rates of incidence and mortality in the next 25 years.Results:The number of incident cases of GC increased from 317.34 thousand in 1990 to 612.82 thousand in2019,while the age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR)of GC decreased from 37.56 per 100,000 in 1990 to 30.64 per 100,000 in 2019,with an EAPC of-0.41[95%confidence interval(95%CI):-0.77,-0.06].Pronounced temporal trends in mortality and DALYs of GC were observed.In the next 25 years,the numbers of new GC cases and deaths are expected to increase to 738.79 thousand and 454.80 thousand,respectively,while the rates of incidence and deaths should steadily decrease.The deaths and DALYs attributable to smoking were different for males and females.Conclusions:In China,despite the fact that the rates of GC have decreased during the past three decades,the numbers of new GC cases and deaths increased,and will continue to increase in the next 25 years.Additional strategies are needed to reduce the burden of GC,such as screening and early detection,novel treatments,and the prevention of risk factors.

Burden and outcomes for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease:Systematic review

AIM To systematically review the literature on epidemiology,disease burden, and treatment outcomes for Crohn's disease(CD) patients with complex perianal fistulas.METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for relevant articles(published 2000-November 2016) and congress abstracts(published 2011-November 2016).RESULTS Of 535 records reviewed, 62 relevant sources were identified(mostly small observational studies). The cumulative incidence of complex perianal fistulas in CD from two referral-centre studies was 12%-14%(follow-up time, 12 years in one study; not reported in the second study). Complex perianal fistulas result in greatly diminished quality of life; up to 59% of patients are at risk of faecal incontinence. Treatments include combinations of medical and surgical interventions and expanded allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells. High proportions of patients experience lack of or inadequate response to treatment(failure and relapse rates,respectively: medical, 12%-73% and 0%-41%; surgical:0%-100% and 11%.20%; combined medical/surgical:0%-80% and 0%-50%; stem cells: 29%-47% and not reported). Few studies(1 of infliximab; 3 of surgical interventions)have been conducted in treatment-refractory patients, a population with high unmet needs. Limited data exist on the clinical value of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α dose escalation in patients with complex perianal fistulas in CD.CONCLUSION Complex perianal fistulas in CD pose substantial clinical and humanistic burden. There is a need for effective treatments, especially for patients refractory to antitumour necrosis factor-α agents, as evidenced by high failure and relapse rates.

Symptom burden amongst patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and receiving dialysis: A literature review

Patients suffering from end-stage renal disease and receiving dialysis experience a high symptom burden,which leads to an impaired quality of life and is associated with an increased risk of future hospitalisation and mortality.However,the symptom burden amongst patients undergoing dialysis was often underrecognised by clinical staff.In this paper,related works on symptom burden amongst patients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis,its concepts,assessment tools,status,and influencing factors were reviewed to draw clinical staff's attention for the relief of symptom burden amongst these patients and provide a reference for further research.

Acute diseases:An epidemiologic perspective

Many underdeveloped countries still struggle with the public health issue of acute illnesses,especially with the emergence of injuries as a major category of acute diseases.Control of the acute disease is challenging particularly when it occurs as an outbreak,either in isolation or as part of a wider epidemic.This narrative review summarizes the definition,epidemiologic transition,pattern and modes of spread,classification,epidemiologic measures,community burden,prevention,control,and future challenges of acute disease.This review is to provide a reference for epidemiologists,clinicians,researchers,and policymakers.

Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factor Study 2010: Its Policy Implications for China

Results of the Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factor Study 2010 （GBD 2010） were released on December 13, 2012 in London, a series of papers concerning the project have been published in the Lancet[1]. Research findings of the project have been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, China[2] and Australia, and widely applied across the world. In addition, the GBD 2010 will see more countries report their project research findings and implement these findings in the near future. The GBD 2010 provides researchers, administrators and policymakers with new and critical sources for their research, teaching and policymaking.

The Relationship among Caregiver Burden, Demographic Variables, and the Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease—A Systematic Review of Studies Using Various Caregiver Burden Instruments

Caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD) extends far beyond the ordinary exchange of assistance among people in a close relationship. Caregivers must learn to cope with the patient’s increasing disability and loss of independence. The aim of this systematic review was to critically assess and summarize the evidence of the influence of the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with PD on caregiver burden by means of a caregiver burden instrument. In order to identify articles, electronic databases and reference lists were searched using the search word “Parkinson’s disease” in combination with “caregiver” or “carer” and with “burden” or “distress” or “stress” or “strain”. Thirty one articles were deemed eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. No studies were excluded due to low quality. The results revealed similar associations among caregiver burden, demographic variables and patient characteristics, across different caregiver burden instruments and various clinical scales. Higher PD stage and functional disability are the non-motor characteristics that contribute the most to caregiver burden. However, when comparing the impact of patient motor and non-motor symptoms, several studies found that mental symptoms had a stronger impact on caregiver burden than motor symptoms. No association was observed between caregiver burden and patient and caregiver demographics with the exception of the sub-scale analysis of caregiver burden in various age groups. Interpreting the results of studies that employ a range of different clinical assessment scales and burden instruments makes it challenging to provide a valid summary of caregiver burden in PD. The most commonly used analysis methods contribute little information about burden variation across caregiver groups or which areas are the most burdensome for caregivers. There is a need for a more uniform use of recommended instruments and for longitudinal studies.

Hypothetical hypoxia-driven rapid disease progression in hepatocellular carcinoma post transarterial chemoembolization:A case report

BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is widely performed for intermediatestage or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),but approximately half of patients do not respond to TACE treatment.We describe a case of rapidly progressing of HCC after TACE and provide a possible hypothesis for this condition.The finding may contribute to identifying patients who obtain less benefit from TACE,thus avoiding the unnecessary waste of medical resources and treatment during the golden hour window.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old woman had been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection and HCC at Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B,which had been treated by segmental hepatectomy 14 mo ago.The tumor recurred in the two months after surgery.She received an initial TACE and then underwent systemic therapy with lenvatinib 8 mg daily due to an increased level of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)after the first TACE.However,the tumor continued to progress with an increased level of AFP,and she underwent a second TACE,after which the tumor volume did not obviously decrease on the contrast-enhanced computed tomography image.One month later,she had a third TACE to control the residual HCC tumors.Two weeks after that,the HCC had increased dramatically with tea-colored urine and yellowish skin turgor.Eventually,the patient refused further treatment and went into hospice care.CONCLUSION Intense hypoxia induced by TACE can trigger rapid disease progression in infiltrative HCC patients with a large tumor burden.

Consequences of redefining Alzheimer＇s disease in terms of amyloid burden without regard to cognitive decline

Alzheimer＇s disease（AD）redefined：For the past century,AD has been defined as a disease of progressive cognitive decline paired with a burden of amyloid-β（Aβ）plaques and pathologic tau tangles in the hippocampus and forebrain.However,a recent Framework paper jointly sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer＇s Association（Jack et al.,2018）proposes new classification guidelines for AD,which,if adopted,will have profoundconsequences for the future management of AD.

Tuberculosis Control Priorities Defined by Using Cost-Effectiveness and Burden of Disease

Objective To define TB control priorities using cost-effectiveness and burden of disease.Methods An assumed cohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on age-specific incidence of 794 newly registered smear-positive cases in Beijing in1994.Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivity with natural history and DOTS intervention were constructed based on the epidemiological parameters.Results DOTS reduced 89.19% of YLL,78.90% of YLD,and 99.98% of infectivity BOD.One DALY could be saved with 45.70% Yuan by DOTS with 3% discount.Sensitivity analysis showed that discount had effect on CER.Weight of age was insensitive to CER.The higher the DOTS coured rate,the more the cost-effectiveness.Conclusions DOTS is a good cost-effectiveness TB control strategy.Cost-effectiveness and burden of disease can be used to define TB control priorities.

Estimation of the actual disease burden of human H7N9 infection in Jiangsu of eastern China from March 2013 to September 2017

The actual incidence of human H7N9 infection is supposed to be much higher than the documented laboratoryconfirmed cases.In this study,we estimated the number of the actual H7N9 cases in Jiangsu,China using a probabilistic multiplier model.Then,disability adjusted life years(DALYs),direct and indirect economic loss caused by this disease were calculated and analyzed.Till September 2017,the estimated total number of H7N9 cases was 2952[median,90%probability range(PR):1487-22094],which was 11.8 times(5.9-88.4)as large as the reported number.The median morbidity was estimated to be 4(90%PR:2-29)per 100000 population.The total DALYs loss was 16548 years,and the total economic loss(direct and indirect)was estimated to be RMB 1044618758(US$16.7 M).The average economic loss for per case and for per year was RMB 353868(US$56440)and RMB 232137502(US$37.0 M),respectively.The actual burden of human H7N9 infections was much heavier than what was documented.Our study provided an approach to estimate actual burden of infectious diseases using laboratory-confirmation.

Hepatitis C virus infection in Argentina: Burden of chronic disease

AIM: To estimate the progression of the hepatitis C virus(HCV) epidemic and measure the burden of HCVrelated morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Age- and gender-defined cohorts were used to follow the viremic population in Argentina and estimate HCV incidence, prevalence, hepatic complications, and mortality. The relative impact of two scenarios on HCV-related outcomes was assessed:(1) increased sustained virologic response(SVR); and(2) increased SVR and treatment.RESULTS: Under scenario 1, SVR raised to 85%-95% in 2016. Compared to the base case scenario, there was a 0.3% reduction in prevalent cases and liverrelated deaths by 2030. Given low treatment rates, cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis decreased < 1%, in contrast to the base case in 2030. Under scenario 2, the same increases in SVR were modeled, with gradual increases in the annual diagnosed and treated populations. This scenario decreased prevalent infections 45%, liver-related deaths 55%, liver cancer cases 60%, and decompensated cirrhosis 55%, as compared to the base case by 2030. CONCLUSION: In Argentina, cases of end stage liver disease and liver-related deaths due to HCV are still growing, while its prevalence is decreasing. Increasing in SVR rates is not enough, and increasing in the number of patients diagnosed and candidates for treatment is needed to reduce the HCV disease burden. Based on this scenario, strategies to increase diagnosis and treatment uptake must be developed to reduce HCV burden in Argentina.