What drives regional differences in Body Mass Index? Evidence from Spain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Di Paolo ◽  
Joan Gil ◽  
Athina Raftopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Regional Differences ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Distributional Analysis ◽  
Large Share ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Conditioning Factors ◽  
Overweight Women ◽  
The North ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Rif Regression

Abstract Background: This paper contributes to the debate on the North-South health divide by disentangling the conditioning factors responsible for regional differences in BMI. Specifically, this paper analyses differences in BMI between northern and southern Spanish regions, a country characterized by important geographical disparities in BMI and other health outcomes, as well as by the decentralized structure of its National Health System (NHS). Method: First, we decompose the average North-South BMI gap into the contribution of explained and unexplained factors using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition. Second, we perform a distributional analysis by applying the Recentered Influence Function (RIF) Regression and the corresponding decomposition, to analyse BMI differentials along its unconditional distribution. Results and Conclusions: Our findings indicate that North to South differences in BMI are significant only for women and a large share (74%) of this gap is explained by differences in endowments (basically years of schooling) to the detriment of women living in the South. Moreover, the explained (unexplained) portion of the gap steadily increases (decreases) along the BMI distribution, suggesting that what really matters to deal with the obesity epidemic among overweight women is focusing attention on regional disparities in observed endowments, human capital being the main driver.

scholarly journals A tale of two parts of Switzerland: regional differences in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Seiler ◽  
Georg Staubli ◽  
Julia Hoeffe ◽  
Gianluca Gualco ◽  
Sergio Manzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
The South ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
The North ◽  
Regional Strategies ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background We aimed to document the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on regions within a European country. Methods Parents arriving at two pediatric emergency departments (EDs) in North of Switzerland and two in South of Switzerland completed an online survey during the first peak of the pandemic (April–June 2020). They were asked to rate their concern about their children or themselves having COVID-19. Results A total of 662 respondents completed the survey. Parents in the South were significantly more exposed to someone tested positive for COVID-19 than in the North (13.9 and 4.7%, respectively; P <  0.001). Parents in the South were much more concerned than in the North that they (mean 4.61 and 3.32, respectively; P <  0.001) or their child (mean 4.79 and 3.17, respectively; P <  0.001) had COVID-19. Parents reported their children wore facemasks significantly more often in the South than in the North (71.5 and 23.5%, respectively; P <  0.001). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant regional differences among families arriving at EDs in Switzerland. Public health agencies should consider regional strategies, rather than country-wide guidelines, in future pandemics and for vaccination against COVID-19 for children.

789 HIGH RESOLUTION ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY: VARIABLE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION IN A LARGE MEXICAN COHORT

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Genaro Vazquez-Elizondo ◽  
José María Remes-Troche ◽  
Enrique Coss-Adame ◽  
Edgardo Suárez-Morán ◽  
Miguel Ángel Valdovinos-Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Data Base ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Outlet Obstruction ◽  
Central Mexico ◽  
Diverse Population ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The North ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Diagnostic Outcome

Abstract   High resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) has been in use for about a decade. However, there is no available information regarding geographical or regional differences in diagnostic outcome. Aim Characterize the indications, demographics and diagnostic outcome of HREM in a diverse population of Mexico. Methods Data was collected from four major referral centers representing diverse geographical areas of Mexico: central—Mexico City (two centers, years 2016-2020), south (Veracruz, years 2015-2020) and north (Monterrey, years 2013—2020). All consecutive cases referred for HREM were entered into a data base and analyzed using Chicago 3 classification. Data was evaluated using chi-square to compare frequencies among groups. Results 2,932 patients included: Central n = 877(29.9), North n = 1003(34.2), South n = 1052(35.9). Mean age 47.9(11-93), women 1,795(61.2), men 1,137(38.8). Nationwide, the most common indications for testing were: GERD n = 1677(57.2), followed by dysphagia 587(20), atypical GERD 244(8.3), post-operative GERD 230(7.9), chest pain 114(3.9), and post-operative dysphagia 78(2.8). HREM was normal in 1,468(49.9) patients. Table shows the diagnostic distribution among centers: Central-Mexico had more abnormal cases 531(60.5) (p &lt; 0.0.001) vs 407(40.6) North and 532(50.6) South. Achalasia was more commonly diagnosed in the South n = 104(19.5) whereas outlet obstruction 39(967) p &lt; 0.001 and spastic disorders were more common in the North 47(11.8) p = 0.002. Weak peristaltic disorders were more common in Central-Mexico 369(78.8) p &lt; 0.001. Conclusion This study represents the first large comparative multicenter HREM data base project in Mexico. In this cohort, most patients receiving HREM are women and those whose indication was GERD. These findings indicate variable regional geographical distribution of HERM diagnosis. Our study suggests that further investigation into the causes and epidemiological distribution of motility disorders is warranted.

scholarly journals The coast of giants: An anthropometric survey of high schoolers on the Adriatic coast of Croatia

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Grasgruber ◽  
Stipe Prce ◽  
Nikola Stračárová ◽  
Eduard Hrazdíra ◽  
Jan Cacek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Variation ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Body Proportions ◽  
The North ◽  
The World ◽  
Adriatic Coast ◽  
Age Category ◽  
High Schoolers

The aim of this anthropometric survey was to map regional differences in height and body proportions in eight counties adjacent to the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Body height was measured in 1803 males and 782 females aged 17-20 years at 66 schools in 23 towns. When corrected for population size, average male height in the eight counties is 182.6 cm (182.8 cm in seven counties of Adriatic Croatia and 183.7 cm in four counties of Dalmatia proper). Regional variation is considerable (3.5 cm): from 180.6 cm in the county of Karlovac to 184.1 cm in the county of Split-Dalmacija. The height of females in the eight counties is 168.2 cm (168.3 cm in Adriatic Croatia and 168.5 cm in Dalmatia proper), but it is based on more limited data. The results show that young men from Dalmatia are currently the tallest in the world in the age category of 18 years, and the north-to-south gradient of increasing stature on the Adriatic coast largely mirrors that in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). These parallel changes of height in Croatia and BiH can most likely be explained by unique genetic predispositions that are shared by the local populations of the Dinaric Alps.

scholarly journals Óbitos por causas externas relacionadas ao trabalho

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Da Silva Oliveira ◽  
Tatiane Oliveira de Souza Constâncio ◽  
Isleide Santana Cardoso Santos ◽  
Adriana Alves Nery
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Work Related ◽  
The North ◽  
El Sistema ◽  
Investigation Period ◽  
External Causes ◽  
Microsoft Office

RESUMOObjetivo: descrever os óbitos por causas externas relacionadas ao trabalho. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo, do tipo ecológico, baseado em registros de óbitos por acidentes de trabalho no Brasil disponíveis no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde do Ministério da Saúde, no período de 1996 a 2015. Processaram-se a analisaram-se os dados no software Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Apresentaram-se os resultados em forma de tabela. Resultados: registraram-se, no período investigado, 58.940 óbitos relacionados ao trabalho, onde 21.067 (35,74%) ocorreram na região Sudeste, sendo que o sexo masculino foi o mais acometido em todas as regiões e, nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Centro-Oeste prevaleceram a faixa etária de 25 a 64 anos e indivíduos de cor parda. Revela-se que os principais locais de ocorrência dos óbitos relacionados ao acidente de trabalho foram o hospital e a via pública, e o maior número de óbitos ocorreu entre os acidentes de transporte e outras causas externas de lesões de acidente. Conclusão: entende-se que há um elevado índice de mortalidade por causas externas em ambientes de trabalho no Brasil, e isso demonstra a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ações de proteção e segurança ao trabalhador visando à redução do número de óbitos por acidentes de trabalho no país. Descritores: Saúde do Trabalhador; Causas Externas; Epidemiologia; Acidentes de Trabalho; Sistema de Informação; Mortalidade. ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the deaths due to external causes related to work. Method: this is a retrospective quantitative study of the ecological type, based on records of work-related injuries in Brazil, available in the Mortality Information System of the Department of Information Technology of the National Health System of the Ministry of Health, in the period from 1996 to 2015. The data was processed in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. The results were presented in tabular form. Results: 58,940 work-related deaths were registered in the investigation period, where 21,067 (35.74%) occurred in the Southeast region, with the male gender being the most affected in all regions, and in the North, Northeast and Center-West prevailed between 25 and 64 years of age and individuals of brown color. It is revealed that the main places of occurrence of deaths related to the work accident were the hospital and the public highway, and the highest number of deaths occurred between transportation accidents and other external causes of accident injuries. Conclusion: it is understood that there is a high mortality rate due to external causes in work environments in Brazil, and this demonstrates the need to develop worker protection and safety measures aimed at reducing the number of deaths due to work-related accidents in Brazil. Descriptors: Worker's Health; External causes; Epidemiology; Work Accidents; Information system; Mortality. RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las muertes por causas externas relacionadas con el trabajo. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, retrospectivo, del tipo ecológico, basado en registros de muertes por accidentes de trabajo en Brasil disponibles en el Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud del Ministerio de Salud, en el período de 1996 a 2015. Se procesaron y se analizaron los datos en el software Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Se presentaron los resultados en forma de tabla. Resultados: en el período investigado, 58.940 muertes relacionadas al trabajo, donde 21.067 (35,74%) ocurrieron en la región Sudeste, siendo que el sexo masculino fue el más acometido en todas las regiones y, en las regiones Norte, Nordeste y Centro Oeste prevalecieron el grupo de edad de 25 a 64 años y los individuos de color parda. Se reveló que los principales lugares de ocurrencia de muertes relacionadas con el accidente de trabajo fueron el hospital y la vía pública, y el mayor número de muertes ocurrió entre los accidentes de transporte y otras causas externas de lesiones de accidente. Conclusión: se entiende que hay un elevado índice de mortalidad por causas externas en ambientes de trabajo en Brasil, y eso demuestra la necesidad del desarrollo de acciones de protección y seguridad al trabajador objetivando la reducción del número de muertes por accidentes de trabajo en el país. Descritores: La Salud del Trabajador; Causas Externas; Epidemiología; Accidentes en el Trabajo; Sistema de Informacion; Mortalidad.

scholarly journals Regional differences in modelled net production and shallow remineralization in the North Atlantic subtropical Gyre

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 12477-12519 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Fernández-Castro ◽  
L. Anderson ◽  
E. Marañón ◽  
S. Neuer ◽  
B. Ausín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Dissolved Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Net Production ◽  
Time Series Study ◽  
The North ◽  
European Station ◽  
Lateral Advection ◽  
Series Study

Abstract. We used 5-year concomitant data of tracers distribution from the BATS (Bermuda Time-series Study) and ESTOC (European Station for Time-Series in the Ocean, Canary Islands) sites to build a 1-D tracer model conservation including horizontal advection and compute net production and shallow remineralization rates at both sites. Net production rates computed below the mixed layer to 110 m from April to December for oxygen, dissolved inorganic carbon and nitrate at BATS (1.34 ± 0.79 mol O2 m−2, −1.73 ± 0.52 mol C m−2 and −125 ± 36 mmol N m−2) showed no statistically significant differences compared to ESTOC (1.03 ± 0.62 mol O2 m−2, −1.42 ± 0.30 mol C m−2 and −213 ± 56 mmol N m−2). Shallow remineralization rates between 110 and 250 m computed at ESTOC (−3.9 ± 1.0 mol O2 m−2, 1.53 ± 0.43 mol C m−2 and 38 ± 155 mmol N m−2) were statistically higher for oxygen compared to BATS (−1.81 ± 0.37 mol O2 m−2, 1.52 ± 0.30 mol C m−2 and 147 ± 43 mmol N m−2). Lateral advection, which was more significant at ESTOC, was responsible for the differences in estimated oxygen remineralization rates between both stations. Due to the relevance of the horizontal transport at ESTOC, we cannot assert that the differences in shallow remineralization rates computed for both stations can explain the observed descrepancies in the flux of sinking organic matter.

Knotweed Management Strategies in North America with the Advent of Widespread Hybrid Bohemian Knotweed, Regional Differences, and the Potential for Biocontrol Via the Psyllid Aphalara itadori Shinji

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Clements ◽  
Todd Larsen ◽  
Jennifer Grenz
Keyword(s):  
Biological Control ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
North America ◽  
North American ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
The United States ◽  
The North ◽  
Variable Nature ◽  
Available Resources

AbstractInvasive species with distributions that encompass much of the North American environment often demand a range of management approaches, for several key reasons. Firstly, the North American environment includes a large number of highly variable habitats in terms of climatic, edaphic, and landscape features. Secondly, these regional habitat differences are accentuated by jurisdictions within Canada and the United States, whereby approaches and available resources differ at local, regional, and national scales. Another important consideration is whether an invasive species or complex also possesses genetic variation. All three of these factors render the knotweed complex in North America a highly variable target for management. In this paper we review existing knowledge of the variable nature of knotweed species (Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt ex Maxim) Ronse Decr., and Fallopia × bohemica, (Chrtek and Chrtková) J. P. Bailey in North America, and evaluate how herbicidal, mechanical and biological control measures must account for this genetic variation, as well as accounting for regional differences and the potential northward expansion of knotweed under climate change. The imminent release of the psyllid, Aphalara itadori Shinji as a biological control agent in North America must also navigate regional and genetic differences. Prior European experience dealing with the three knotweed species should prove useful, but additional research is needed to meet the emerging challenge posed by F. × bohemica in North America, including the possibility of glyphosate resistance. Managers also face challenges associated with posttreatment restoration measures. Furthermore, disparities in resources available to address knotweed management across the continent need to be addressed to contain the rapid spread of this highly persistent and adaptable species. Linking practitioners dealing with knotweed “on the ground” with academic research is a crucial step in the process of marshalling all available resources to reduce the rapidly spreading populations of knotweed.

scholarly journals Observations on the May 2019 Joffre Peak landslides, British Columbia

Landslides ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 913-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Friele ◽  
Tom H. Millard ◽  
Andrew Mitchell ◽  
Kate E. Allstadt ◽  
Brian Menounos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Seismic Analysis ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Permafrost Degradation ◽  
Depth Estimate ◽  
Coast Mountains ◽  
Conditioning Factors ◽  
The North ◽  
Debris Flood

AbstractTwo catastrophic landslides occurred in quick succession on 13 and 16 May 2019, from the north face of Joffre Peak, Cerise Creek, southern Coast Mountains, British Columbia. With headscarps at 2560 m and 2690 m elevation, both began as rock avalanches, rapidly transforming into debris flows along middle Cerise Creek, and finally into debris floods affecting the fan. Beyond the fan margin, a flood surge on Cayoosh Creek reached bankfull and attenuated rapidly downstream; only fine sediment reached Duffey Lake. The toe of the main debris flow deposit reached 4 km from the headscarp, with a travel angle of 0.28, while the debris flood phase reached the fan margin 5.9 km downstream, with a travel angle of 0.22. Photogrammetry indicates the source volume of each event is 2–3 Mm3, with combined volume of 5 Mm3. Lidar differencing, used to assess deposit volume, yielded a similar total result, although error in the depth estimate introduced large volume error masking the expected increase due to dilation and entrainment. The average velocity of the rock avalanche-debris flow phases, from seismic analysis, was ~ 25–30 m/s, and the velocity of the 16 May debris flood on the upper fan, from super-elevation and boulder sizes, was 5–10 m/s. The volume of debris deposited on the fan was ~ 104 m3, 2 orders of magnitude less than the avalanche/debris flow phases. Progressive glacier retreat and permafrost degradation were likely the conditioning factors; precursor rockfall activity was noted at least ~6 months previous; thus, the mountain was primed to fail. The 13 May landslide was apparently triggered by rapid snowmelt, with debuttressing triggering the 16 May event.

scholarly journals Regional differences in climate factors controlling chum and pink salmon abundance

2011 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 1131-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masa-aki Fukuwaka ◽  
Toshiki Kaga ◽  
Tomonori Azumaya
Keyword(s):  
North Pacific ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Pink Salmon ◽  
Climate Indices ◽  
Climate Factors ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Pacific

Abstract Fukuwaka, M., Kaga, T., and Azumaya, T. 2011. Regional differences in climate factors controlling chum and pink salmon abundance. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1131–1137. Chum and pink salmon abundances vary on a decadal time-scale. We examined the relationship between large-scale climate indices (CIs), regional climate factors (RFs), and rates of change in regional catches (RCs) of chum and pink salmon in five regions of the North Pacific. Correlation coefficients of RCs with RFs were larger than those of RCs with CIs, although the correlation coefficient of particular variables varied among regions. Climate affected salmon stocks as indicated by significant relationships with various terrestrial and ocean climate factors on a regional scale. These results suggest that no single CI or RF controls salmon abundance in all regions; however, global climate changes could affect regional climate directly and regional salmon abundance indirectly. A warming trend in the North Pacific might affect the long-term change in salmon abundance. The mechanisms controlling regional salmon abundance must be understood better to forecast successfully future conditions for Pacific salmon stocks, because the response of salmon stocks to global climate change varies among regions.

scholarly journals Trends of teenage pregnancy in Brazil, 2000-2011

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 330-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Ferreira Vaz ◽  
Denise Leite Maia Monteiro ◽  
Nádia Cristina Pinheiro Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Mothers ◽  
Teenage Pregnancy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Teenage Mothers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Live Births ◽  
The North ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Personal Decision

Summary Objective: To evaluate the frequency of teenage pregnancy in Brazil, from 2000 to 2011, in all five Brazilian macroregions and age groups (10-14 and 15-19 years), correlating it with the human development index (HDI). Method: Descriptive epidemiological study, with cross-sectional design, performed by searching the database of the National Health System (Datasus), using information from the Information System (Sinasc). Results: There was a decrease in the percentage of live births (LB) from teenage mothers (10-19 years) in Brazil (23.5 % in 2000 to 19.2 % in 2011). This reduction was observed in all Brazilian macroregions in the group of mothers aged 15 to 19 years. The number of LB increased by 5.0% among mothers aged 10-14 years (increase in the North and Northeast and decline in the other macroregions). The proportion of LB shows an inversely proportional trend to HDI score, with the Southeast having the highest HDI and the lowest proportion of LB to teenage mothers in the country. Conclusion: Brazil shows a decline in the percentage of LB to adolescent mothers, tending to be inversely related to HDI score. It is important to empower strategies to address the problem, so that teenage pregnancy is seen as a personal decision rather than the result of a lack of policies targeting adolescent health.

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