scholarly journals Prevalence of iodine inadequacy in Switzerland assessed by the estimated average requirement cut-point method in relation to the impact of iodized salt

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 1333-1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Haldimann ◽  
Murielle Bochud ◽  
Michel Burnier ◽  
Fred Paccaud ◽  
Vincent Dudler
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Point Method ◽  
Iodized Salt ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Population Groups ◽  
Cut Point ◽  
Iodine Supply ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the iodine status of Swiss population groups and to evaluate the influence of iodized salt as a vector for iodine fortification.DesignThe relationship between 24 h urinary iodine and Na excretions was assessed in the general population after correcting for confounders. Single-day intakes were estimated assuming that 92 % of dietary iodine was excreted in 24 h urine. Usual intake distributions were derived for male and female population groups after adjustment for within-subject variability. The estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method was applied as guidance to assess the inadequacy of the iodine supply.SettingPublic health strategies to reduce the dietary salt intake in the general population may affect its iodine supply.SubjectsThe study population (1481 volunteers, aged ≥15 years) was randomly selected from three different linguistic regions of Switzerland.ResultsThe 24 h urine samples from 1420 participants were determined to be properly collected. Mean iodine intakes obtained for men (n705) and women (n715) were 179 (sd68·1) µg/d and 138 (sd57·8) µg/d, respectively. Urinary Na and Ca, and BMI were significantly and positively associated with higher iodine intake, as were men and non-smokers. Fifty-four per cent of the total iodine intake originated from iodized salt. The prevalence of inadequate iodine intake as estimated by the EAR cut-point method was 2 % for men and 14 % for women.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of inadequate iodine intake was within the optimal target range of 2–3 % for men, but not for women.

UNNATURAL DEATHS AMONG NUNS AND MONKS: IS THERE A BIOLOGICAL FORCE BEHIND MALE EXTERNAL CAUSE MORTALITY?

2009 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARC LUY
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Biological Factors ◽  
Religious Orders ◽  
The West ◽  
Male Mortality ◽  
Female Population ◽  
External Causes ◽  
The Impact

SummaryIt is still unclear if and how biological factors contribute to excess male mortality due to ‘external causes’ (accidents, injuries, homicides and suicides). Sex hormones and reproductive roles are supposed to drive sex differences in behaviours increasing the male external cause mortality risk. This study analyses the external cause mortality of Catholic nuns and monks from three Bavarian cloisters whose similar environments allow the impact of biological factors to be isolated from a number of confounding causes. Using obituaries, entries in the profession books of religious orders and cemetery registers 2533 deaths of nuns and monks could be linked to a specific cause of death for the years 1946–2005, of which 69 belong to the group of external cause deaths. External cause mortality of the Bavarian cloistered and the West German general population has been compared by means of standardized mortality rates (SMRs) for ages 45 onwards using the European age standard for the age groups 45–64, 65–74 and 75+. Whereas nuns show statistically significantly lower external cause mortality than the general female population, monks' external cause mortality parallels or even exceeds that of general population males. These findings contradict the reproductive role hypothesis and provide some evidence for the sex hormones hypothesis.

scholarly journals Referral bias in female functional hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 173 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Luque-Ramírez ◽  
Macarena Alpañés ◽  
Raul Sanchón ◽  
Elena Fernández-Durán ◽  
Andrés E Ortiz-Flores ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Functional Hyperandrogenism ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Referral Bias

ObjectiveWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seeking health care in the United States may be more obese and hyperandrogenic than those present in the general population. We aimed to assess the impact of referral bias on European women with functional androgen excess disorders.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsWe studied two groups of patients: i) 368 consecutive patients referred to our clinic for the study of functional hyperandrogenism (FH) (referral patients); ii) 57 consecutive premenopausal patients identified by screening during blood donation (unselected patients). We compared the anthropometric data from the groups of patients with those of two control populations: iii) a group of unselected premenopausal healthy female blood donors (unselected controls); and iv) data available from the local general premenopausal female population.ResultsReferral patients with FH were more hirsute, had a higher percentage of hyperandrogenemia, and fulfilled PCOS criteria more frequently than unselected patients. The prevalence of obesity in unselected controls was similar to that observed in the general population, whereas referral patients and unselected patients were more frequently obese. The prevalence of obesity was also higher among referral patients compared to unselected patients.ConclusionReferral bias influences the phenotype of patients with FH. Patients studied at the clinical setting may show more severe hyperandrogenic and obese phenotypes than patients from the general population, even though PCOS appears to be associated with weight excess also in the general European population. This fact should be considered when establishing reference values and control populations for clinical and research purposes.

scholarly journals Public health policy to redress iodine insufficiency in pregnant women may widen sociodemographic disparities

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1421-1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simonette R Mallard ◽  
Lisa A Houghton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Health Policy ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Iodized Salt ◽  
Younger Women ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Salt Iodization ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a mandatory bread fortification programme on estimated iodine intakes of childbearing women and to describe the extent to which uptake of a maternal iodine supplement recommendation is associated with sociodemographic characteristics.DesignA postpartum survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Details on pre- and post-conceptional supplement use, bread intake, iodized salt use and maternal sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were obtained.SettingEleven maternity wards and hospitals located across New Zealand.SubjectsSeven hundred and twenty-three postpartum New Zealand women.ResultsMean iodine intake from fortified bread was 37 μg/d prior to conception. Younger women, women with higher parity, single women and those with unplanned pregnancies were less likely to meet the pregnancy Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for iodine (all P ≤ 0·022). Although not statistically significant for all months of pregnancy, women with less education and income were less likely to meet the EAR (P ≤ 0·11 and P ≤ 0·2 for all months, respectively) and indigenous Māori women and Pacific women were less likely than New Zealand Europeans to meet the EAR (P ≤ 0·17 and P ≤ 0·051 for all months, respectively). During pregnancy, iodine-containing supplement uptake at the recommended level (150 μg/d) was non-uniform across sociodemographic subgroups, with the most disadvantaged women benefiting the least from this public health policy.ConclusionsThe disparities in supplement uptake noted here highlight the need for prioritizing further efforts towards universal salt iodization, such as the mandatory fortification of additional processed foods with iodized salt.

scholarly journals Malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in Europe: Evidence of spatial clustering

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Wilk ◽  
Małgorzata Krówczyńska
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
General Population ◽  
Malignant Mesothelioma ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
European Countries ◽  
World Health ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Exposure to asbestos causes a wide range of diseases, such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other types of cancer. Many European countries have reduced production and use of asbestos and some have banned it altogether. Based on data derived from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Cancer Mortality Database, we investigated whether some regions in Europe could have a higher relative risk of MM incidence than others. The data were compared, including the number of MM deaths per million inhabitants and aged-standardized mortality rates. Applying Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi statistic on the agedstandardized mortality rates of MM cases assisted the spatial analysis of the occurrence of health events leading to an assessment of the heterogeneity of distribution and cluster detection of MM. We found a statistically significant positive autocorrelation for the male population and also the general population, while there was no statistically significant positive one for the female population. Hotspots of relative risk of developing MM were found in northwestern Europe. For the general population, Great Britain and the Netherlands stood out with high levels at the 99% and 95% confidence levels, respectively. For the male population, the results were similar, but with addition of risk also in Belgium and Switzerland. However, in many European countries with high asbestos use per capita, the MM incidence was found to still be low. The reasons for this are not yet clear, but part of the problem is certainly due to incomplete data in registers and databases. The latency time can be longer than 40 years and is related to the intensity and time of exposure (occupational, para-occupational and environmental). In Europe, even though peak production occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, a significant decrease in production did not occur until 25 years later, which means that the impact will continue for as late as The mid 2030s.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Determinants of participation and quality of life of young adults with cerebral palsy: longitudinal approach and comparison with the general population – SPARCLE 3 study protocol

BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Arnaud ◽  
Carine Duffaut ◽  
Jérôme Fauconnier ◽  
Silke Schmidt ◽  
Kate Himmelmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Young People ◽  
General Population ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Effective inclusion in society for young people with disabilities is increasingly seen as generating opportunities for self-development, and improving well-being. However, significant barriers remain in the vast majority of activities meaningful for young adults. Research argues that various personal (disabilities, health) and environmental (access to the resources needed, accessible environment, discrimination, lack of personal economic independence) factors contribute to limited participation. However, previous studies conducted in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) mainly investigated the transition period to adulthood, and did not fully consider the whole range of impairment severity profiles or environmental barriers. In this study, we will use the follow-up of the SPARCLE cohort and a comparison group from the general population (1) to investigate the impact of the environment on participation and quality of life of young adults with CP, (2) to determine predictors of a successful young adulthood in educational, professional, health and social fields, (3) to compare quality of life and frequency of participation in social, work and recreational activities with the general population, (4) to document on participation and quality of life in those with severe disabilities. Methods The SPARCLE3 study has a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional design. Young adults with CP aged 22 to 27 years in 6 European regions previously enrolled in the SPARCLE cohort or newly recruited will be invited to self-complete a comprehensive set of questionnaires exploring participation (daily life and discretionary activities), health-related quality of life, body function, personal factors (health, personal resources), and contextual factors (availability of needed environmental items, family environment, services provision) during home visits supervised by trained researchers. Proxy-reports or adapted questionnaires will be used for those with the most severe impairments. The recruitment of a large group from the general population (online survey) will enable to identify life areas where the discrepancies between young people with CP and their able-bodied peers are the most significant. Discussion This study will help identify to what extent disabilities and barriers in environment negatively affect participation and quality of life, and how previous valued experiences during childhood or adolescence might modulate these effects.

scholarly journals Dam Breach Simulation with the Material Point Method

Computation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Chendi Cao ◽  
Mitchell Neilsen
Keyword(s):  
Material Point Method ◽  
Mixture Theory ◽  
Material Point ◽  
Point Method ◽  
Internal Erosion ◽  
Dam Breach ◽  
New Model ◽  
Hencky Strain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Soil And Water

Dam embankment breaches caused by overtopping or internal erosion can impact both life and property downstream. It is important to accurately predict the amount of erosion, peak discharge, and the resulting downstream flow. This paper presents a new model based on the material point method to simulate soil and water interaction and predict failure rate parameters. The model assumes that the dam consists of a homogeneous embankment constructed with cohesive soil, and water inflow is defined by a hydrograph using other readily available reach routing software. The model uses continuum mixture theory to describe each phase where each species individually obeys the conservation of mass and momentum. A two-grid material point method is used to discretize the governing equations. The Drucker–Prager plastic flow model, combined with a Hencky strain-based hyperelasticity model, is used to compute soil stress. Water is modeled as a weakly compressible fluid. Analysis of the model demonstrates the efficacy of our approach for existing examples of overtopping dam breach, dam failures, and collisions. Simulation results from our model are compared with a physical-based breach model, WinDAM C. The new model can capture water and soil interaction at a finer granularity than WinDAM C. The new model gradually removes the granular material during the breach process. The impact of material properties on the dam breach process is also analyzed.

scholarly journals Relation of severe COVID-19 in Scotland to transmission-related factors and risk conditions eligible for shielding support: REACT-SCOT case-control study

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul M. McKeigue ◽  
David A. McAllister ◽  
David Caldwell ◽  
Ciara Gribben ◽  
Jen Bishop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Rate Ratio ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Population Attributable Risk ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Recent Exposure ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Clinically vulnerable individuals have been advised to shield themselves during the COVID-19 epidemic. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the rate ratio of severe COVID-19 associated with eligibility for the shielding programme in Scotland across the first and second waves of the epidemic and (2) the relation of severe COVID-19 to transmission-related factors in those in shielding and the general population. Methods In a matched case-control design, all 178,578 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Scotland from 1 March 2020 to 18 February 2021 were matched for age, sex and primary care practice to 1,744,283 controls from the general population. This dataset (REACT-SCOT) was linked to the list of 212,702 individuals identified as eligible for shielding. Severe COVID-19 was defined as cases that entered critical care or were fatal. Rate ratios were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Results With those without risk conditions as reference category, the univariate rate ratio for severe COVID-19 was 3.21 (95% CI 3.01 to 3.41) in those with moderate risk conditions and 6.3 (95% CI 5.8 to 6.8) in those eligible for shielding. The highest rate was in solid organ transplant recipients: rate ratio 13.4 (95% CI 9.6 to 18.8). Risk of severe COVID-19 increased with the number of adults but decreased with the number of school-age children in the household. Severe COVID-19 was strongly associated with recent exposure to hospital (defined as 5 to 14 days before presentation date): rate ratio 12.3 (95% CI 11.5 to 13.2) overall. The population attributable risk fraction for recent exposure to hospital peaked at 50% in May 2020 and again at 65% in December 2020. Conclusions The effectiveness of shielding vulnerable individuals was limited by the inability to control transmission in hospital and from other adults in the household. Mitigating the impact of the epidemic requires control of nosocomial transmission.

scholarly journals Coronavirus, the great toilet paper panic and civilisation

Thesis Eleven ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 072551362110331
Author(s):  
Jon Stratton
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Social Breakdown ◽  
Toilet Paper ◽  
Western Civilisation ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
The Impact

Panic buying of toilet rolls in Australia began in early March 2020. This was related to the realisation that the novel coronavirus was spreading across the country. To the general population the impact of the virus was unknown. Gradually the federal government started closing the country’s borders. The panic buying of toilet rolls was not unique to Australia. It happened across all societies that used toilet paper rather than water to clean after defecation and urination. However, research suggests that the panic buying was most extreme in Australia. This article argues that the panic buying was closely linked to everyday notions of Western civilisation. Pedestal toilets and toilet paper are key aspects of civilisation and the fear of the loss of toilet paper is connected to anxiety about social breakdown, the loss of civilisation. This is the fear manifested in the perceived threat posed by the virus.

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