Exposure Patterns Driving Ebola Transmission in West Africa:A Retrospective Observational Study

BackgroundThe ongoing West African Ebola epidemic began in December 2013 in Guinea, probably from a single zoonotic introduction. As a result of ineffective initial control efforts, an Ebola outbreak of unprecedented scale emerged. As of 4 May 2015, it had resulted in more than 19,000 probable and confirmed Ebola cases, mainly in Guinea (3,529), Liberia (5,343), and Sierra Leone (10,746). Here, we present analyses of data collected during the outbreak identifying drivers of transmission and highlighting areas where control could be improved.Methods and findingsOver 19,000 confirmed and probable Ebola cases were reported in West Africa by 4 May 2015. Individuals with confirmed or probable Ebola ("cases") were asked if they had exposure to other potential Ebola cases ("potential source contacts") in a funeral or non-funeral context prior to becoming ill. We performed retrospective analyses of a case line-list, collated from national databases of case investigation forms that have been reported to WHO. These analyses were initially performed to assist WHO's response during the epidemic, and have been updated for publication. We analysed data from 3,529 cases in Guinea, 5,343 in Liberia, and 10,746 in Sierra Leone; exposures were reported by 33% of cases. The proportion of cases reporting a funeral exposure decreased over time. We found a positive correlation (r = 0.35, p ConclusionsAchieving elimination of Ebola is challenging, partly because of super-spreading. Safe funeral practices and fast hospitalisation contributed to the containment of this Ebola epidemic. Continued real-time data capture, reporting, and analysis are vital to track transmission patterns, inform resource deployment, and thus hasten and maintain elimination of the virus from the human population

“Vegan” and “plant-based” claims: risk implications for milk- and egg-allergic consumers in Canada

Abstract The market share of foods carrying labels suggesting absence of animal ingredients has significantly increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to document the purchasing behaviour of egg- or milk-allergic consumers vis-à-vis food marketed as “vegan” and “plant-based”, and to evaluate the associated allergenic risk. A survey was conducted among egg- and milk-allergic consumers and revealed that 86% (margin of error 5.4%; confidence level 95%) would buy “vegan” products, indicating this label may be perceived as a substitute for “free from milk and eggs”. To assess the risk posed by these products, 87 prepackaged foods with “vegan” and/or “plant-based” claims purchased in Quebec were tested for milk proteins, and 64 for egg proteins. Overall, 5.7% and 0% occurrence of milk and egg proteins, respectively, were observed, suggesting that the analysed prepackaged foods carrying “vegan” and/or “plant-based” labels pose little risk to egg- or milk-allergic consumers. However, this is likely due to allergen management practices applied by the Canadian manufacturers of the products tested, and should not be attributed to the use of “vegan” or similar labels. Enhanced regulatory requirements for the use of these labels, and an education campaign on their meaning with respect to allergy-related risks, are necessary to better inform and protect egg- and milk-allergic consumers

Climate-Resilient Agriculture in The Philippines: Climate Risk Profile, Luzon

The Luzon Climate Risk Profile is organized into six sections, each reflecting an essential analytical step in understanding current and potential adaptation options in key local agricultural value chains. The document first offers an overview of agricultural commodities that are crucial for food security and livelihoods in the Philippines, and describes major challenges to agricultural sector development in the island group. Next, it identifies the main climatic hazards based on analysis of historical climate data and climate projections including typhoons and drought. The profile continues with an analysis of vulnerabilities and risks posed by the hazards toward key commodities through crop suitability mapping. Based on these vulnerabilities, we discuss current and potential on farm adaptation options and off-farm services. The text also provides snapshots of the enabling policy, institutional, and governance context for adoption of resilience-building strategies. Finally, pathways for strengthening institutional capacity to address climate risks are presented

Climate-Resilient Agriculture in The Philippines: Climate Risk Profile, Visayas

The Visayas Climate Risk Profile is organized into six sections, each reflecting an essential analytical step in understanding current and potential adaptation options in key local agricultural value chains. The document first offers an overview of agricultural commodities that are crucial for food security and livelihoods in the Philippines, and describes major challenges to agricultural sector development in the island group. Next, it identifies the main climatic hazards based on analysis of historical climate data and climate projections including typhoons and drought. The profile continues with an analysis of vulnerabilities and risks posed by the hazards toward key commodities through crop suitability mapping. Based on these vulnerabilities, we discuss current and potential on farm adaptation options and off-farm services

Climate-Resilient Agriculture in The Philippines: Climate Risk Profile, Mindanao

The Mindanao Climate Risk Profile is organized into six sections, each reflecting an essential analytical step in understanding current and potential adaptation options in key local agricultural value chains. The document first offers an overview of agricultural commodities that are crucial for food security and livelihoods in the Philippines, and describes major challenges to agricultural sector development in the island group. Next, it identifies the main climatic hazards based on analysis of historical climate data and climate projections including typhoons and drought. The profile continues with an analysis of vulnerabilities and risks posed by the hazards toward key commodities through crop suitability mapping. Based on these vulnerabilities, we discuss current and potential on farm adaptation options and off-farm services. The text also provides snapshots of the enabling policy, institutional, and governance context for adoption of resilience-building strategies. Finally, pathways for strengthening institutional capacity to address climate risks are presented

Erratum to: Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition) (Autophagy, 12, 1, 1-222, 10.1080/15548627.2015.1100356

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