Search

This systematic literature review aimed to provide an overview of the characteristics and methods used in studies applying the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) concept for infectious diseases within European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and the United Kingdom. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched for articles reporting the assessment of DALY and its components. We considered studies in which researchers performed DALY calculations using primary epidemiological data input sources. We screened 3053 studies of which 2948 were excluded and 105 studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 22 were multi-country and 83 were single-country studies, of which 46 were from the Netherlands. Food- and water-borne diseases were the most frequently studied infectious diseases. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of burden of infectious disease studies was 1.6 times higher compared to that published between 2000 and 2014. Almost all studies (97%) estimated DALYs based on the incidence- and pathogen-based approach and without social weighting functions; however, there was less methodological consensus with regards to the disability weights and life tables that were applied. The number of burden of infectious disease studies undertaken across Europe has increased over time. Development and use of guidelines will promote performing burden of infectious disease studies and facilitate comparability of the results.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of breast-feeding (BF) and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) in Cyprus up to the sixth month.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive study. BF and EBF were estimated based on mothers’ self-reported BF status in line with Step 7 of the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative questionnaire and based on 24 h recall.

Setting

Maternity wards in all public hospitals and twenty-nine (of thirty-five) private maternity clinics nationwide.

Subjects

Consecutive sample of 586 mothers recruited within 48 h from birth, followed up by telephone interview at the first, fourth and sixth month.

Results

Although 84·3 % of mothers initiated BF before discharge, prevalence of BF at the sixth month was 32·4 %, with the highest reduction observed between the first and fourth months. Prevalence of EBF at 48 h was 18·8 % and fell gradually to 5·0 % at the sixth month. Mothers with higher educational attainment or higher family income were more likely to breast-feed until the sixth month. In terms of EBF, an association was observed only with education, which persisted until the sixth month. Other than social gradient, mode of delivery was the strongest determinant of BF initiation, exclusivity and continuation. Mothers who gave birth vaginally were three to four times more likely to initiate BF (OR=3·1; 95 % CI 1·7, 5·4) and EBF (OR=4·3; 95 % CI 2·7, 6·8).

Conclusions

The low prevalence of BF and EBF in Cyprus, together with the fact that caesarean section rates are currently among the highest in Europe, suggest the need for further research to understand this multidimensional phenomenon and for interdisciplinary policy action to protect, promote and support BF.

Summary

Abstract

Recognition between leguminous plants and the specific rhizobial strains that nodulate them is mediated via a regulon of nodulation (nod) genes present in the bacteria. These nod genes are induced by flavonoids secreted from legume roots. Many of the nod gene products are involved in the synthesis of host-specific signals that are recognised by appropriate legume hosts. Recently (Lerouge et al., 1990), the signal molecule made by one strain of Rhizobium meliloti was identified as an acylated and sulphated, tetraglucosamine glycolipid and there is strong evidence that Rhizobium leguminosarum makes related but structurally distinct signals.

On the basis of these observations it is now possible to make sense of several similarities that have been recognised between nod gene products and enzymes of known function. Thus, for example, it appears that the nodM gene product is involved in the formation of glucosamine precursors of the signal molecule, whilst other gene products are likely to be involved in specific substitutions that confer host specificity to the signal molecule.

In addition to those nod gene products that are involved in the synthesis of the glycolipid, it is evident that there are other genes which may carry out a different role. Of particular interest is the nodO gene which encodes a secreted Ca2+-binding protein that has the potential to interact directly with plant cells. In the absence of the nodFEL genes, nodO is necessary for nodulation, indicating that the NodO protein can compensate for the loss of nodFEL function during infection.

Search Results

Refine search

Refine search

Actions for selected content:

3 results

Burden of infectious disease studies in Europe and the United Kingdom: a review of methodological design choices

Prevalence of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding at 48 h after birth and up to the sixth month in Cyprus: the BrEaST start in life project

Host recognition in the Rhizobium leguminosarum–pea symbiosis

Summary

Search Results

Refine search

Refine search

Actions for selected content:

Save Search

3 results

Burden of infectious disease studies in Europe and the United Kingdom: a review of methodological design choices

Prevalence of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding at 48 h after birth and up to the sixth month in Cyprus: the BrEaST start in life project

Host recognition in the Rhizobium leguminosarum–pea symbiosis

Summary