scholarly journals Health symptom trajectories and neurotoxicant exposures in Gulf War veterans: the Ft. Devens cohort

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxine H. Krengel ◽  
Clara G. Zundel ◽  
Timothy Heeren ◽  
Megan Yee ◽  
Avron Spiro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thirty years ago, Gulf War (GW) veterans returned home with numerous health symptoms that have been associated with neurotoxicant exposures experienced during deployment. The health effects from these exposures have been termed toxic wounds. Most GW exposure-outcome studies utilize group analyses and thus individual fluctuations in symptoms may have been masked. This study investigates health symptom trajectories in the same veterans over 25 years. Methods Veterans were categorized into 5 a priori trajectory groups for each health symptom and Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI) clinical case status. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between these trajectories and neurotoxicant exposures. Results Results indicate that more than 21 Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB) pill exposure was associated with consistent reporting of fatigue, pain, and cognitive/mood symptoms as well as the development of six additional symptoms over time. Chemical weapons exposure was associated with both consistent reporting and development of neurological symptoms over time. Reported exposure to tent heater exhaust was associated with later development of gastrointestinal and pulmonary symptoms. Veterans reporting exposure to more than 21 PB pills were more than 8 times as likely to consistently meet the criteria for CMI over time. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of the continued documentation of the health impacts experienced by GW veterans’, their resulting chronic health symptoms, and the importance of exposure-outcome relationships in these veterans now 30 years post-deployment.

1991 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandros A. Arabatzis ◽  
Timothy G. Gregoire ◽  
J. David Lenhart

Abstract A method to predict the incidence of fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme) in unthinned loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliotti Englem.) plantations located on non-old-fields in East Texas is presented. In addition, procedures are described to estimate changes in rust incidence over time as: 1. A rust-free tree remains rust free, develops stem or branch galls, or dies. 2. A tree with branch galls remains with branch galls only, develops stem galls, or dies. 3. A tree with stem galls remains with stem galls, or dies. Multinomial logistic regression models utilizing basic plantation parameters as predictors were fit to estimate current rust incidence and, then, the change in rust condition over time. South. J. Appl. For. 15(2):79-84.


2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon K. Attell

Several longitudinal studies show that over time the American public has become more approving of euthanasia and suicide for terminally ill persons. Yet, these previous findings are limited because they derive from biased estimates of disaggregated hierarchical data. Using insights from life course sociological theory and cross-classified logistic regression models, I better account for this liberalization process by disentangling the age, period, and cohort effects that contribute to longitudinal changes in these attitudes. The results of the analysis point toward a continued liberalization of both attitudes over time, although the magnitude of change was greater for suicide compared with euthanasia. More fluctuation in the probability of supporting both measures was exhibited for the age and period effects over the cohort effects. In addition, age-based differences in supporting both measures were found between men and women and various religious affiliations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (08) ◽  
pp. 1159-1169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namkee G. Choi ◽  
Diana M. DiNitto ◽  
C. Nathan Marti ◽  
Bryan Y. Choi

ABSTRACTBackground:Given the rapid increase in prescription and illicit drug poisoning deaths in the 50+ age group, we examined precipitating/risk factors and toxicology results associated with poisoning deaths classified as suicides compared to intent-undetermined death (UnD) among decedents aged 50+.Methods:Data were from the 2005–2015 US National Violent Death Reporting System (N = 15,453). χ2 tests and multinomial logistic regression models were used to compare three groups of decedents: suicide decedent who left a suicide note, suicide decedent who did not leave a note, and UnD cases.Results:Compared to suicide decedents without a note (37.7% of the sample), those with a note (29.4%) were more likely to have been depressed and had physical health problems and other life stressors, while UnD cases (32.9%) were less likely to have had mental health problems and other life stressors but more likely to have had substance use and health problems. UnD cases were also more likely to be opioid (RRR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.42–2.90) and cocaine (RRR = 2.59, 95% CI = 2.09–3.21) positive but less likely to be antidepressant positive. Blacks were more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to be UnDs. Results from separate regression models in the highest UnD states (Maryland and Utah) and in states other than Maryland/Utah were similar.Conclusions:Many UnDs may be more correctly classified as unintentional overdose deaths. Along with more accurate determination processes for intent/manner of death, substance use treatment and approaches to curbing opioid and other drug use problems are needed to prevent intentional and unintentional poisoning deaths.


10.18060/2125 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 458-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badiah Haffejee ◽  
Jamie Rae Yoder ◽  
Kimberly Bender

Emerging adulthood marks a critical developmental juncture during which some individuals disengage from the illegal behavior of their adolescence while others continue to use substances and commit crimes. While risk factors for delinquency during adolescence are well studied, factors that influence persisting or desisting from illegal activities during emerging adulthood have not been fully explored. This mixed methods study utilizes a sample of college students aged 18-25 (N=74) and examines factors differentiating those who abstained from illegal behaviors, desisted from illegal behaviors, and persisted in illegal behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression models indicated peers offending and hours spent studying predicted desisting and peers offending predicted persisting (compared to the abstaining group). Three qualitative themes: family and peer bonds, morals and values, and fear of consequences further explained factors influencing emerging adults’ persisting and desisting choices. Implications for social work practice are explored.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 402-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rémi Boivin ◽  
Chloé Leclerc

This article analyzes reported incidents of domestic violence according to the source of the complaint and whether the victim initially supported judicial action against the offender. Almost three quarters of incidents studied were reported by the victim (72%), and a little more than half of victims initially wanted to press charges (55%). Using multinomial logistic regression models, situational and individual factors are used to distinguish 4 incident profiles. Incidents in which the victim made the initial report to the police and wished to press charges are the most distinct and involve partners who were already separated at the time of the incident or had a history of domestic violence. The other profiles also show important differences.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 985-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Mercincavage ◽  
Kirsten Lochbuehler ◽  
Andrea C Villanti ◽  
E Paul Wileyto ◽  
Janet Audrain-McGovern ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated its interest in reducing the addictiveness of combustible cigarettes by lowering their nicotine content. Delineating risk perceptions of reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes prior to federal regulation may inform the content of future educational campaigns accompanying this policy. Methods Five hundred non–treatment-seeking, daily smokers naïve to RNC cigarettes (63.0% male, 51.6% nonWhite, mean [SD] cigarettes per day = 15.69 [7.58], age = 43.44 [11.46]) completed a 10-item RNC cigarette risk perception questionnaire at baseline in two, unrelated experimental studies. We used multinomial logistic regression models to identify demographic (eg, gender) and smoking-related (eg, nicotine dependence) correlates of RNC cigarette risk perceptions. Results Although the majority of participants did not misperceive RNC cigarettes as less harmful than regular or high nicotine cigarettes, a large portion of the sample held misperceptions about RNC cigarettes’ addictiveness (56.4%) and cessation aid potential (63.4%). More than 20% of the sample reported being unsure about RNC-related risks, especially tar content (51.8%). NonWhite smokers were 2.5 to 3 times more likely to be incorrect about multiple RNC cigarette risks (p = .002–.006). Conclusions If the FDA mandates a reduced nicotine content standard for cigarettes, educational campaigns will be needed to correct misperceptions about RNC cigarettes’ addictiveness and potential to aid cessation as well as inform consumers about their safety risks. Campaigns tailored toward nonWhite smokers may also be needed to correct misperceptions of RNC cigarette risks held by this subgroup. Implications The FDA has stated its interest in reducing cigarettes’ addictiveness by lowering their nicotine content, enabling smokers to quit. Our findings suggest that most smokers who have not used RNC cigarettes do not perceive these products as less addictive or as cessation tools, stressing a need for future educational campaigns to correct these misperceptions. Campaigns are also needed to educate uninformed smokers about RNC cigarettes and should consider targeting messages toward subgroups likely to hold misperceptions about the risks and benefits of using these products (eg, nonWhite smokers).


Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yariv L Gerber ◽  
Susan Weston ◽  
Jill Killian ◽  
Matteo Fabbri ◽  
Sheila Manemann ◽  
...  

Background: A decline in all forms of coronary revascularization has been previously reported. Whether the decline has continued after the turn of the century is unknown as well as whether it is influenced by trends in the use and results of coronary angiography. Methods: All diagnostic and therapeutic coronary procedures performed among Olmsted County, MN residents from 2000-2015 were analyzed. Standardized rates (per 100,000 population) were calculated applying the direct method and temporal trends compared using Poisson regression models. Trends in disease severity, defined as 3-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease (CAD), were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: Between 2000 and 2015, 11,691 coronary angiographies were performed (63% men; 54% ≥ 65 years of age). The age- and sex-standardized rates of angiography decreased over time (p trend < 0.001; Figure). Overall, 30% of the subjects had 3-vessel and/or left main CAD, and this proportion decreased over time (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for severe CAD: 0.68 (0.62-0.76) in 2005-2009 and 0.69 (0.63-0.77) in 2010-2015 compared with 2000-2004). Among 5,222 coronary revascularization procedures performed, 78% were PCI and 22% CABG. The age- and sex-standardized rates of any revascularization declined during the study period, reflecting temporal decreases in both PCI and CABG (all p trend < 0.001; Figure). The declines in angiography rates, CAD severity, and revascularization utilization were consistently greater in women than men (all P for interactions < 0.01). Conclusions: Declines in all forms of coronary revascularization, which were greater in women than men, have occurred in Olmsted County, MN, from 2000-2015. The declines occurred in the context of fewer angiograms performed in the population and reduced severity of anatomic CAD.


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