Purpose of review Although cities present opportunities for infectious pathogens such as HIV to spread, public health infrastructure within these cities also provides opportunities to design... Show morePurpose of review Although cities present opportunities for infectious pathogens such as HIV to spread, public health infrastructure within these cities also provides opportunities to design effective approaches to eliminate transmission of these pathogens. The HIV Transmission Elimination AMsterdam (H-TEAM) Initiative, a consortium of relevant stakeholders involved in HIV prevention and care, designed an integrated approach to curb the HIV epidemic in Amsterdam, including providing preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), increasing awareness of acute HIV infection, offering same-day test and treat, and improving indicator disease-driven HIV testing. Recent findings In 2013, approximately 230 people in Amsterdam were newly diagnosed with HIV, largely belonging to one of two key affected populations, namely MSM and people with a migration background. Since the start of H-TEAM in 2014, a decrease in new diagnoses was observed (130 in 2017), with an increasing proportion of MSM who had been diagnosed with a recent infection. The H-TEAM shows that a city-based concerted effort is feasible. However, major challenges remain, such as reducing the number of late HIV diagnoses, and identifying and providing appropriate services to a diminishing group of individuals who are likely the source of transmission. Show less
Zoest, R.A. van; Law, M.; Sabin, C.A.; Vaartjes, I.; Valk, M. van der; Arends, J.E.; ... ; Elst-Laurijssen, D.H. 2019
Background. Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the earliest described and most prevalent hereditary auto-inflammatory disease. Its clinical presentation is diverse, leading to possible delay in... Show moreBackground. Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is the earliest described and most prevalent hereditary auto-inflammatory disease. Its clinical presentation is diverse, leading to possible delay in diagnosis and treatment. Due to immigration, FMF became common in non-Mediterranean European regions. In the present single centre retrospective study, the clinical, demographic, and genetic characteristics of patients with FMF of different ancestry in Amsterdam are described.Methods. Case records of patients with FMF, who met the Tel-Hashomer diagnostic criteria, were retrospectively analysed. The international disease severity score was used.Results. Between 1990-2012, 53 patients were identified, 28 were female. Main country of origin was Turkey. The mean age at the time of analysis was 29.1 years; 13.8 years at onset of symptoms; and at time of diagnosis, 22.0 years. Most frequent symptoms were peritonitis (91%) and fever (81%). The mean C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate during acute attacks were 133 mg/l and 37 mm/first hour, respectively. One patient developed amyloidosis as a complication. Seventeen patients underwent abdominal surgery before diagnosis. Most patients (92%) received colchicine treatment and were responsive (81%). Most patients classified their disease as a mild disease (42%). MEFV gene mutation analysis was performed in 46 patients; most patients were compound heterozygotes (n = 17), and the most frequent mutation was M6(94)V (n = 18).Conclusion. FMF in Amsterdam is diagnosed in relatively young patients and the delay to diagnosis is 8.2 years. Disease manifestations and genetic distribution of our FMF patients are comparable to those in Mediterranean regions, suggesting that ancestry is more important than environment. Show less
This study examines differences in self-reported mental health problems between detained youths from Dutch, Moroccan, and Surinamese origin and the usefulness of mental health problems to predict... Show moreThis study examines differences in self-reported mental health problems between detained youths from Dutch, Moroccan, and Surinamese origin and the usefulness of mental health problems to predict violent and property recidivism in these juveniles. A sample of 296 detained boys aged between 12 and 18 years were assessed by means of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Official information regarding criminal history and recidivism was collected 3-6 years later. In general, Dutch youths and Surinamese youths reported more conduct problems than Moroccan youths, while Dutch youths also reported more hyperactivity than Surinamese youths. Mental health problems were not predictive of violent recidivism in any of the ethnic groups, while being related with property recidivism in Dutch and Surinamese youths. The current study showed that Moroccan youths present themselves on the SDQ as a less seriously disturbed group of youths than their Dutch and Surinamese counterparts. Our results also clearly showed that SDQ self-report scores are not predictive of future violent crimes in any of the three ethnic groups. Implications of the findings and limitations of the current study are discussed. Show less
