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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Neighborhood Disparities In Stroke And Myocardial Infarction Mortality: A Gis And Spatial Scan Statistics Approach, Agricola Odoi Aug 2011

Neighborhood Disparities In Stroke And Myocardial Infarction Mortality: A Gis And Spatial Scan Statistics Approach, Agricola Odoi

Agricola Odoi

Background: Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are serious public health burdens in the US. These burdens vary by geographic location with the highest mortality risks reported in the southeastern US. While these disparities have been investigated at state and county levels, little is known regarding disparities in risk at lower levels of geography, such as neighborhoods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate spatial patterns of stroke and MI mortality risks in the East Tennessee Appalachian Region so as to identify neighborhoods with the highest risks. Methods: Stroke and MI mortality data for the period 1999-2007, obtained free …


Identifying Unique Neighborhood Characteristics To Guide Health Planning For Stroke And Heart Attack: Fuzzy Cluster And Discriminant Analyses Approaches, Ashley Pedigo, William Seaver, Agricola Odoi Jul 2011

Identifying Unique Neighborhood Characteristics To Guide Health Planning For Stroke And Heart Attack: Fuzzy Cluster And Discriminant Analyses Approaches, Ashley Pedigo, William Seaver, Agricola Odoi

Agricola Odoi

Background: Socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic factors are known determinants of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) risk. Clustering of these factors in neighborhoods needs to be taken into consideration during planning, prioritization and implementation of health programs intended to reduce disparities. Given the complex and multidimensional nature of these factors, multivariate methods are needed to identify neighborhood clusters of these determinants so as to better understand the unique neighborhood profiles. This information is critical for evidence-based health planning and service provision. Therefore, this study used a robust multivariate approach to classify neighborhoods and identify their socio-demographic characteristics so as to provide …


Urban Climate And Challenges Of Tropical Cities, B E. Omogbai Jul 2011

Urban Climate And Challenges Of Tropical Cities, B E. Omogbai

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This study examines the nature of urban climate, features and the challenges on the developing tropical cities in the 21st century. It argues that the use of principles of urban climate would help in providing comfortable living conditions and problem immune working environments for the inhabitants of tropical cities. The findings reveal that owing to poor environmental planning, inadequate geotechnical landscape surveys prior to the development of urban infrastructures, and non-adherence to the principles of urban climate, challenges of landscape degradation, excessive flooding of the built infrastructures, heat-island effects, and collapse of buildings have emerged. Suggested measures to avert these …


Detecting Changes In Landuse/Cover Of Umuahia, South-Eastern Nigeria Using Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques, Fanan Ujoh, Olarewaju Oluseyi Ifatimehin, Adams Ndalai Baba Jul 2011

Detecting Changes In Landuse/Cover Of Umuahia, South-Eastern Nigeria Using Remote Sensing And Gis Techniques, Fanan Ujoh, Olarewaju Oluseyi Ifatimehin, Adams Ndalai Baba

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Since 1991 when it became the capital city of Abia State, Umuahia has undergone tremendous transformation in its land use and land cover due to rapid urbanization. The main materials employed for this study are a land use map (1991) and Landsat ETM+satellite image (2007) of the study area. These, combined with field survey/checks, were brought into a GIS environment using ILWIS 3.2 Academic image classification software to map the land use/land cover and to estimate the rate of urban expansion and loss of rural land at the peri-urban fringes of Umuahia between 1991 and 2007. The study revealed significant …


Perflurorochemical (Pfc) Exposure In Children: Associations With Impaired Response Inhibition, Brooks B. Gump, Qian Wu, Amy K. Dumas, Kurunthachalam Kannan Jun 2011

Perflurorochemical (Pfc) Exposure In Children: Associations With Impaired Response Inhibition, Brooks B. Gump, Qian Wu, Amy K. Dumas, Kurunthachalam Kannan

Brooks B. Gump

Background: Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been used widely in consumer products since the 1950s and are currently found at detectable levels in the blood of humans and animals across the globe. In stark contrast to this widespread exposure to PFCs, there is relatively little research on potential adverse health effects of exposure to these chemicals.Objectives: We performed this cross-sectional study to determine if specific blood PFC levels are associated with impaired response inhibition in children. Methods: Blood levels of 11 PFCs were measured in children (N = 83) and 6 PFCs: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), …


Gender Participation In The Management Of Tricycle Transport For Youth Empowerment And Sustainable Development In Kano State, Nigeria, Nuratu Muhammed Jun 2011

Gender Participation In The Management Of Tricycle Transport For Youth Empowerment And Sustainable Development In Kano State, Nigeria, Nuratu Muhammed

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The research examined gender participation in the management of tricycle for youth empowerment and sustainable development in Kano state, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select samples of drivers(150), passengers (150) and owners/managers the female tricycle owners fell under this category and they numbered(65).All together a total of 365 samples were selected for the study. Data obtained from the primary data was analyzed using simple statistical techniques and chi square test to ascertain whether there was any significant differences in some of the variables tested. The results of the analysis revealed that the main difference was found in …


U.S. Cultural Involvement And Its Association With Co-Occurring Substance Abuse And Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth In The Dominican Republic, Elián P. Cabrera-Nguyen, Juan B. Peña Jun 2011

U.S. Cultural Involvement And Its Association With Co-Occurring Substance Abuse And Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth In The Dominican Republic, Elián P. Cabrera-Nguyen, Juan B. Peña

Elián P. Cabrera-Nguyen

We examined the relationship of US cultural involvement with substance abuse and sexual risk behavior profiles from our nationally representative sample of public high school students in the Dominican Republic. Using a novel methodological approach to control for selection bias, we examined explanations for the so-called Latino or Hispanic immigrant paradox. A latent class regression analysis with manifest and latent covariates found that US cultural involvement indicators were independent and robust predictors of increased risk of co-ocurring substance abuse and sexual risk behaviors. Implications for prevention efforts targeting risk behaviors among Latino/a adolescents in the US and abroad are considered.


Environmental Problems Of Industrialization And Sustainable Development In Nigeria - A Review, Adejoh Iyaji Feb 2011

Environmental Problems Of Industrialization And Sustainable Development In Nigeria - A Review, Adejoh Iyaji

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of the quest for industrialization on the environment in Nigeria; others include, the identification of the objectives of sustainable development as well as making recommendations that will lead to the much needed sustainable environment both for the present generation and generations yet unborn. The researcher relied principally on secondary sources of data for this paper which is theoretical in approach. Findings revealed the emergence of a host of environmental problems such as air pollution, deforestation, desertification, solid and hazardous waste problems in the wake of the quest for industrialization. …


Prevalence Of Thyroid Disorders Among Older People: Results From The São Paulo Ageing & Health Study, Paulo A. Lotufo Jan 2011

Prevalence Of Thyroid Disorders Among Older People: Results From The São Paulo Ageing & Health Study, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

This study aimed to estimate prevalence of thyroid disorders in the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study, an epidemiological study addressing several health-adverse outcomes among elderly people living in a poor area of São Paulo, Brazil. All participants answered a questionnaire and had a blood sample collected to assess levels of tireotropic hormone and free-thyroxine. Among 1,373 people (60.8% women), prevalence rates (95% confidence interval) for thyroid dysfunction (%) were: overt hyperthyroidism, 0.7% (0.2-1.1) [women: 0.8% (0.2-1.5); men: 0.4% (0.01-0.9)]; overt hypothyroidism, 5.7% (4.5-6.9) [women: 5.9% (4.3-7.5); men: 5.4% (3.5-7.3)]; subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2.4% (1.6-3.2) [women: 2.8% (1.6-3.9); men: 1.9% (0.7-3.0)]; …


Vaccine Liability In The Supreme Court: Forging A Social Compact, John D. Kraemer, Lawrence O. Gostin Jan 2011

Vaccine Liability In The Supreme Court: Forging A Social Compact, John D. Kraemer, Lawrence O. Gostin

John D Kraemer

In its decision in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth LLC, the Supreme Court ruled that state products liability suits that allege design defects in vaccines are preempted by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. This decision, the third in a trilogy of Supreme Court preemption cases that deal with products liability suits for health commodities, preserves the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and the delicate balance between ensuring the vaccine supply and compensating injuries that it enables. Failing to preempt state product liability suits would have exposed vaccine manufacturers to substantial litigation costs defending unfounded claims about autism.


Adaptive Responses To Flooding Incidents In Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Habiba I. Jimoh, Kayode A. Iroye Jan 2011

Adaptive Responses To Flooding Incidents In Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Habiba I. Jimoh, Kayode A. Iroye

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Incidents of floods which are mainly caused by changes in landuse is fast becoming a city life experience in Ilorin as in most urban centres in Nigeria causing untold hardships and sometimes loss of lives. This extreme hydro-meteorological event is also being exacerbated by climate change which thus calls for adaptive response by residents towards reducing its risks, hence this study. Data used were generated from direct field measurements and questionnaire administration. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulations were used in analyzing the data. Results obtained indicate that most respondents use a wide range of non-structural adaptive response to flood. The …


An Assessment Of Socio-Economic Impact Of Waste Scavenging As A Means Of Poverty Alleviation In Gwagwalada, Abuja., John Yakubu Magaji, Samuel Panse Dakyes Jan 2011

An Assessment Of Socio-Economic Impact Of Waste Scavenging As A Means Of Poverty Alleviation In Gwagwalada, Abuja., John Yakubu Magaji, Samuel Panse Dakyes

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Waste scavengers are usually perceived as being among the poor, and scavenging is considered a marginal activity. They tend to have low incomes, but can obtained decent earning when they are not exploited by middlemen. This study was conducted in Gwagwalada town with the aim of assessing the socio-economic impact of scavenging on the people. A structured questionnaire was constructed to capture the demographic characteristics of the scavengers, their experiences, types of items scavenged, the economic gains and the challenges being faced. The target pollution is waste scavengers and a random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the respondents for …


Pufa And Vitamin D And Type 2 Diabetes Inflammatory Markers, Paulo A. Lotufo Nov 2010

Pufa And Vitamin D And Type 2 Diabetes Inflammatory Markers, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


A Stepwise Approach To Stroke Surveillance In Brazil: The Emma (Estudo De Mortalidade E Morbidade Do Acidente Vascular Cerebral) Study, Paulo A. Lotufo Aug 2010

A Stepwise Approach To Stroke Surveillance In Brazil: The Emma (Estudo De Mortalidade E Morbidade Do Acidente Vascular Cerebral) Study, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Background: Stroke mortality rates in Brazil are the highest in the Americas. Deaths from cerebrovascular disease surpass coronary heart disease. Aim: To verify stroke mortality rates and morbidity in an area of Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil, using the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Stroke Surveillance. Methods: We used the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Stroke Surveillance structure of stroke surveillance. The hospital-based data comprised fatal and nonfatal stroke (Step 1). We gathered stroke-related mortality data in the community using World Health Organization questionnaires (Step 2). The questionnaire determining stroke prevalence was activated door to door in a family-healthprogramme neighbourhood …


Qualidade De Vida De Estudantes De Enfermagem De Uma Faculdade Privada / Quality Of Life Of Undergraduate Nursing Students From A Private University, Everton Fernando Alves Jul 2010

Qualidade De Vida De Estudantes De Enfermagem De Uma Faculdade Privada / Quality Of Life Of Undergraduate Nursing Students From A Private University, Everton Fernando Alves

Everton Fernando Alves

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida dos estudantes no curso de Enfermagem de uma faculdade privada. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando a Escala de Qualidade de Vida de Flanagan e um instrumento de coleta de dados complementares, contendo questões estruturadas. Resultou numa amostra de 192 (cento e noventa e dois) estudantes. O diagnóstico evidenciou que a maioria dos estudantes está „Satisfeitos‟ e „Pouco satisfeitos‟ com a sua qualidade de vida, entretanto identificou a presença de vários problemas que necessitam de atenção dos educadores. Concluiu-se que se faz necessária a formação de um …


Validation Of A Stroke Symptom Questionnaire For Epidemiological Surveys., Paulo A. Lotufo Jul 2010

Validation Of A Stroke Symptom Questionnaire For Epidemiological Surveys., Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:Stroke is a relevant issue within public health and requires epidemiological surveillance tools. The aim here was to validate a questionnaire for evaluating individuals with stroke symptoms in the Stroke Morbidity and Mortality Study (Estudo de Mortalidade e Morbidade do Acidente Vascular Cerebral, EMMA), São Paulo, Brazil.DESIGN AND SETTING:This was a cross-sectional study performed among a sample of the inhabitants of Butantã, an area in the western zone of the city of São Paulo.METHODS:For all households in the coverage area of a primary healthcare unit, household members over the age of 35 years answered a stroke symptom questionnaire …


Plasma Prekallikrein Levels Are Positively Associated With Circulating Lipid Levels And The Metabolic Syndrome In Children., James A. Mackenzie, Kristen A. Roosa, Brooks B. Gump, Amy K. Dumas, Kestutis G. Bendinskas Jul 2010

Plasma Prekallikrein Levels Are Positively Associated With Circulating Lipid Levels And The Metabolic Syndrome In Children., James A. Mackenzie, Kristen A. Roosa, Brooks B. Gump, Amy K. Dumas, Kestutis G. Bendinskas

Brooks B. Gump

Plasma prekallikrein (PK) has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors, but these associations have not been investigated in children. The present study examined PK activity in relation to well-established cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of children aged 9–11 years (N = 97). We found a significant and positive association between PK and fasting levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01), and triglycerides (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between PK activity and the metabolic syndrome, a clustering of risk factors considered to have an impact on atherosclerosis and CVD mortality. Finally, we found that children with a family history of CVD had significantly elevated PK activity. These novel findings warrant further investigations into the relationship between circulating PK levels and CVD risk factors because PK may be involved in the progression of the disease state. Il est bien connu que la pre´kallicre´ine (PK) est associe´e a` la maladie cardiovasculaire (CVD) et a` ses facteurs de risque, mais ces associations n’ont pas e´te´ ve´rifie´es chez les enfants. Cette e´tude se propose de ve´rifier l’association entre l’activite´ de la PK et les facteurs de risque de CVD aupre`s d’une cohorte d’enfants aˆge´s de 9 a` 11 ans (N = 97). On observe une corre´lation positive significative entre la PK et les variables suivantes : la concentration totale de choleste´rol a` jeun (p < 0,01), les concentrations des lipoprote´ines non a` haute densite´ (p < 0,01) et la concentration des triglyce´rides (p < 0,001). De plus, on observe une corre´lation significative entre l’activite´ de la PK et le syndrome me´tabolique constitue par un ensemble de facteurs ayant un effet sur l’athe´roscle´rose et la mortalite´ due a` la CVD. En dernier lieu, les enfants avec des ante´ce´dents familiaux de CVD pre´sentent une plus importante activite´ de la PK, et ce, de fac¸on significative. Ces premie`res observations sugge`rent d’autres e´tudes sur la relation entre la concentration sanguine de PK et les facteurs de risque de CVD, car la PK pourrait eˆtre implique´e dans la progression de la maladi


Socioeconomic Status And Coronary Heart Disease Mortality In The City Of Sao Paulo, Brazil (1996 To 2007), Paulo A. Lotufo Jun 2010

Socioeconomic Status And Coronary Heart Disease Mortality In The City Of Sao Paulo, Brazil (1996 To 2007), Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Non-Inferiority Trials [In Portuguese], Paulo A. Lotufo May 2010

Non-Inferiority Trials [In Portuguese], Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Cardiovascular And Cancer Mortality In Brazil, Paulo A. Lotufo May 2010

Cardiovascular And Cancer Mortality In Brazil, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Cancer are not surpassing Cardiovascular Diseases. Here you have an evaluation of mortality in Brazil. The debate was ignited by paper from IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) that forecasts cancer deaths surpassing heart diseases rates during de 2020’s. There is no dispute about the fact that - at least in the US and other countries - the decline of mortality deaths for heart diseases presenting a faster pace compared to cancer death rates. It is an epidemiological evidence that must be analyzed and some headline fueling hype as “heart diseases as an old agenda of public health and …


Effects Of Leas And Mecury On The Blood Proteome Of Children, Robert E. Birsall, Michael P. Kiley, Zaneer M. Segu, Christopher D. Palmer, Milan Madera, Brooks B. Gump Mar 2010

Effects Of Leas And Mecury On The Blood Proteome Of Children, Robert E. Birsall, Michael P. Kiley, Zaneer M. Segu, Christopher D. Palmer, Milan Madera, Brooks B. Gump

Brooks B. Gump

Heavy metal exposure in children has been associated with a variety of physiological and neurological problems. The goal of this study was to utilize proteomics to enhance the understanding of biochemical interactions responsible for the health problems related to lead and mercury exposure at concentrations well below CDC guidelines. Blood plasma and serum samples from 34 children were depleted of their most abundant proteins using antibody-based affinity columns and analyzed using two different methods, LC-MS/MS and 2-D electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF/MS and tandem mass spectrometry. Apolipoprotein E demonstrated an inverse significant association with lead concentrations (average being one microgram/deciliter) as …


Gender Differences Of Case-Fatality Rate In A Brazilian Stroke Registry, Paulo A. Lotufo Feb 2010

Gender Differences Of Case-Fatality Rate In A Brazilian Stroke Registry, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Characteristics Of Small Areas With A Higher Stroke Mortality, Paulo A. Lotufo Feb 2010

Characteristics Of Small Areas With A Higher Stroke Mortality, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Higher Frequency Of Stroke Deaths On Monday And Saturday, Paulo A. Lotufo Feb 2010

Higher Frequency Of Stroke Deaths On Monday And Saturday, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Social Inequalities And The Decline Of Stroke Mortality In The City Of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Paulo A. Lotufo Feb 2010

Social Inequalities And The Decline Of Stroke Mortality In The City Of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

No abstract provided.


Subclinical Hyperthyroidism And Dementia: The Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study (Spah), Paulo A. Lotufo Jan 2010

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism And Dementia: The Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study (Spah), Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Background: Several epidemiologic studies have shown a possible association between thyroid function and cognitive decline. Our aim was to evaluate the association of subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia in a population sample of older people. Methods: A cross-sectional study - São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH) - in a population sample of low-income elderly people ≥ 65 years-old to evaluate presence of subclinical thyroid disease as a risk factor for dementia. Thyroid function was assessed using thyrotropic hormone and free-thyroxine as well as routine use of thyroid hormones or antithyroid medications. Cases of dementia were assessed using a harmonized one-phase …


Income Inequality And Homicide Rates In Sao Paulo, Brazil., Paulo A. Lotufo, Isabela M. Bensenor Dec 2009

Income Inequality And Homicide Rates In Sao Paulo, Brazil., Paulo A. Lotufo, Isabela M. Bensenor

Paulo A Lotufo

Description of the epidemic of homicide among poor people in Brazil. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, homicides to men aged 15-44 years increased with an annual percentage change (APC) of 4.7% from 1996 to 2001, and then decreased from 2001 to 2007 with an APC of -14.6%. Analyzing the intra-urban distribution according to family income, the increase in the homicide rate was restricted to men living in the poorest neighbourhoods. In contrast, the decline in homicide rates was observed to men living in all districts. The reasons for this 'up and down' trend are not clear.


Assessing Risk In Focal Arboviral Infections: Are We Missing The Big Or Little Picture?, A D. Haddow, Agricola Odoi, C J. Jones Sep 2009

Assessing Risk In Focal Arboviral Infections: Are We Missing The Big Or Little Picture?, A D. Haddow, Agricola Odoi, C J. Jones

Agricola Odoi

BACKGROUND: Focal arboviral infections affecting a subset of the overall population present an often overlooked set of challenges in the assessment and reporting of risk and the detection of spatial patterns. Our objective was to assess the variation in risk when using different at-risk populations and geographic scales for the calculation of incidence risk and the detection of geographic hot-spots of infection. We explored these variations using a pediatric arbovirus, La Crosse virus (LACV), as our model. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Descriptive and cluster analyses were performed on probable and confirmed cases of LACV infections reported to the Tennessee Department of …


Nutritional Evaluation Of The Patients With Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma [Portuguese], Paulo A. Lotufo Jan 2009

Nutritional Evaluation Of The Patients With Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma [Portuguese], Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually present nutritional disorders, secondary to the upper aerodigestive tract involvement or due to the treatment sequels. Objective: To assess the nutritional status of patients with HNSCC in different phases of the disease treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 patients divided in 4 groups: 103 patients with HNSCC (29 before treatment, 47 post-treatment with no recurrence and 27 post treatment with recurrent disease) and 52 controls without HNSCC. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected and a nutrition assessment was performed from anthropometric parameters (weight, height and Body Mass Index – BMI), …


Patterns Of Viral Load In Chronic Hepatitis B Patients In Brazil And Their Association Withalt Levels And Hbeag Status, Paulo A. Lotufo Jan 2009

Patterns Of Viral Load In Chronic Hepatitis B Patients In Brazil And Their Association Withalt Levels And Hbeag Status, Paulo A. Lotufo

Paulo A Lotufo

Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is a predictor of the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients. Nevertheless, the distribution of viral load levels in chronic HBV patients in Brazil has yet to be described. This cross-sectional study included 564 participants selected in nine Brazilian cities located in four of the five regions of the country using the database of a medical diagnostics company. Admission criteria included hepatitis B surface antigen seropositivity, availability of HBV viral load samples and age >or=18 years. Males comprised 64.5% of the study population. Mean age was 43.7 years. …