scholarly journals Perceived Risk in the Population Living near the Turin Incinerator: Comparison between before and at Three Years of Operation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9003
Author(s):  
Antonella Bena ◽  
Martina Gandini ◽  
Laura Crosetto ◽  
Cristiana Ivaldi ◽  
Enrico Procopio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Environmental Health Risks ◽  
The Difference

When the Turin incinerator went into operation in 2013, it was accompanied by surveillance of health effects that included a human biomonitoring survey of 394 residents. They responded to items investigating their awareness of environmental and health issues and perception of environmental health risks. In this study, we compared the questionnaire responses before plant startup and at 3 years of operation. To accomplish this, we investigated changes in perceived risk and evaluated the efficacy of communication strategies. A total of 344 participants equally distributed in an exposed and an unexposed group responded to the follow-up questionnaire. Survey items investigated the perception of a relationship between illness and exposure to environmental pollution, feeling at risk of developing an illness, and concern about natural and anthropogenic hazards. The proportion of ‘certain’ and ‘very probable’ responses was compared to the total using the difference-in-differences method. Analyses showed an overall decrease in the differences between the two groups, which suggests that the communication actions undertaken for the exposed group were effective. Future communication plans should also include initiatives targeting the unexposed group.

Health Risks of Low Dose Of Ionizing Radiation Among Health Care Providers at ain Shams University Hospitals

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Abbas ◽  
MS Gabal ◽  
HS Ez- Elarab ◽  
NN El Khazragy ◽  
AF Manzour
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Oxidative Stress Status

Abstract Introduction Ionizing radiation (IR) is an occupational hazard that can induce many health risks on exposed health care workers (HCWs). However, the health risks of low dose (below 100mSv) are controversial due to a lack of direct evidence on human. Aim of work To identify the health risks of exposure to low dose of ionizing radiation and its effect on general health status and to assess oxidative stress status of health care workers (HCWs) exposed to IR at Ain Shams University hospitals. Materials and methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including 50 HCWs from different departments of Ain Shams University hospitals: exposed group (exposed to IR for at least I year) (No = 25) and matched unexposed control group (No = 25). Both groups were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Assessment of health care workers' oxidative stress status was done for both groups by measure level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level as biomarker for lipid peroxidation. Complete blood count was done for both groups. Recording readings of personal exposure to IR by badge film dosimeter after approval from workplace authority was also done. Results Regarding general health status and wellbeing of workers, most of exposed group had perception of average health status, while most of unexposed group had perception of good health status. A significantly higher sickness absenteeism during the last 6 months was found among the exposed group and a significant adverse health effects, were recorded among exposed group compared to control group as hair fall, musculoskeletal pain, pain in upper abdomen, constipation, decreased visual acuity, in addition to easily agitated. During the last 30 days exposed group had significantly higher frequencies of GIT disturbances and common cold or infections in comparison to unexposed group. The results showed that IR exposed group had the more oxidative stress status (higher level of plasma MDA) than unexposed group with significant difference (p value =0.014). Results showed also that the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly lower while relative basophile % was significantly higher among exposed group in comparison to unexposed group (although all parameters were within normal range in both groups). Conclusion Exposure to IR -even in small dose- may lead to significant health complains (adverse health effects), increase oxidative stress status and may affect general health status among exposed group compared to the non-exposed one. Recommendations Personal monitoring for ionizing radiation, periodic medical examination, and increasing level of protection for exposed workers are of utmost importance.

From Evolution to Immune to Swarm to? A Simple Introduction to Modern Heuristics

Data Mining ◽  
2011 ◽  
pp. 72-96
Author(s):  
Jay T. Rodstein ◽  
Katherine S. Watters
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Virtual Office ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Employer Liability

Safety and health issues in virtual offices are part of progressive telecommuting programs. Telecommuting agreements between employers and employees typically include clauses related to keeping the workspace free from hazards, conditions to clarify employer liability for injuries and illnesses and mechanisms for the employee to report them. In practice, employers are not providing all of the tools, training and follow-up needed to offer complete programs. This chapter provides a set of tools and implementation strategies to help employers reduce safety and health risks in the virtual office.

scholarly journals Abacavir Use and Risk for Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Events: Pooled Analysis of Data From Clinical Trials

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra Nan ◽  
Mark Shaefer ◽  
Rimgaile Urbaityte ◽  
James Oyee ◽  
Judy Hopking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Some observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested an association between abacavir (ABC) use and myocardial infarction (MI), whereas others have not. Methods This pooled analysis of 66 phase II–IV RCTs estimates exposure-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) and relative rates (RRs) of MI and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in participants receiving ABC- and non-ABC-containing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The primary analysis of MI included ABC-randomized trials with ≥48-week follow-up. Sensitivity analyses of MI and CVEs included non-ABC-randomized and <48-week follow-up trials. Results In 66 clinical trials, 13 119 adults (75% male, aged 18–85 years) were on ABC-containing cART and 7350 were not. Exposure-adjusted IR for MI was 1.5 per 1000 person-years (PY; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–3.34) in the ABC-exposed group and 2.18 per 1000 PY (95% CI, 1.09–4.40) in the unexposed group. The IR for CVEs was 2.9 per 1000 PY (95% CI, 2.09–4.02) in the exposed group and 4.69 per 1000 PY (95% CI, 3.40–6.47) in the unexposed group with studies of ≥48 weeks of follow-up, with an RR of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39–0.98). The inclusion of nonrandomized and shorter-duration trials did not significantly change the RR for MI or coronary artery disease. Conclusions This pooled analysis found comparable IRs for MI and CVEs among ABC-exposed and -unexposed participants, suggesting no increased risk for MI or CVEs following ABC exposure in a clinical trial population. Modifiable risk factors for MI and CVEs should be addressed when prescribing ART.

scholarly journals Risk Communication After Health Care Exposures: An Experimental Vignette Survey With Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146832110456
Author(s):  
A. Rani Elwy ◽  
Elizabeth M. Maguire ◽  
Thomas H. Gallagher ◽  
Steven M. Asch ◽  
Janet M. Durfee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Perceived Trust ◽  
Communication Processes

Purpose. We investigated how health care systems should communicate with patients about possible exposures to blood-borne pathogens that may have occurred during their care. Our goal was to determine how best to communicate uncertain risk information in a way that would minimize harm to patients, maintain their trust, and encourage patients to seek follow-up treatment. Methods. Participants ( N = 1103) were randomized to receive one of six vignette surveys; 997 (98.4%) responded. All vignettes described the same event, but differed by risk level and recommendations (lower risk v. higher risk) and by communication mode (telephone, letter, social media). We measured participants’ perceived risk of blood-borne infection, trust in the health care system, and shared decision making about next clinical steps. Open-ended questions were analyzed using grounded thematic analysis. Results. When the vignette requested patients to undergo testing and practice certain health behaviors (higher risk), participants’ likelihood of seeking follow-up testing for blood-borne pathogens and their understanding of health issues increased. Perceived trust was unaffected by risk level or communication processes. Qualitative data indicated a desire for telephone communication from providers known to the patient. Limitations. It is not clear whether higher risk language or objective risk levels in vignettes motivated patients’ behavioral intentions. Conclusion. Using higher risk language when disclosing large-scale adverse events increased participants’ willingness to seek follow-up care. Implications. Health care organizations’ disclosures should focus on the next steps to take after health care exposures. This communication should involve helping patients to understand their personal health issues better, make them feel that they know which steps to take following the receipt of this information, and encouraging them to seek follow-up infectious disease testing in order to better take care of themselves.

Re-Increased Male Suicide Rates in the Recovery Phase Following the Great East Japan Earthquake

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 422-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatsugu Orui
Keyword(s):  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Great East Japan Earthquake ◽  
Temporary Housing ◽  
Period Analysis ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Male Suicide ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Difference

Abstract. Background: Monitoring of suicide rates in the recovery phase following a devastating disaster has been limited. Aim: We report on a 7-year follow-up of the suicide rates in the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in March 2011. Method: This descriptive study covered the period from March 2009 to February 2018. Period analysis was used to divide the 108-month study period into nine segments, in which suicide rates were compared with national averages using Poisson distribution. Results: Male suicide rates in the affected area from March 2013 to February 2014 increased to a level higher than the national average. After subsequently dropping, the male rates from March 2016 to February 2018 re-increased and showed a greater difference compared with the national averages. The difference became significant in the period from March 2017 to February 2018 ( p = .047). Limitations: Specific reasons for increasing the rates in the recovery phase were not determined. Conclusion: The termination of the provision of free temporary housing might be influential in this context. Provision of temporary housing was terminated from 2016, which increased economic hardship among needy evacuees. Furthermore, disruption of the social connectedness in the temporary housing may have had an influence. Our findings suggest the necessity of suicide rate monitoring even in the recovery phase.

Evaluation of the impact of public investment programs on social and economic performance of territories

2019 ◽  
pp. 109-123
Author(s):  
I. E. Limonov ◽  
M. V. Nesena
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Modeling ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Public Investment ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
The Public ◽  
Export Activity ◽  
Regional Investment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Development Institution

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of public investment programs on the socio-economic development of territories. As a case, the federal target programs for the development of regions and investment programs of the financial development institution — Vnesheconombank, designed to solve the problems of regional development are considered. The impact of the public interventions were evaluated by the “difference in differences” method using Bayesian modeling. The results of the evaluation suggest the positive impact of federal target programs on the total factor productivity of regions and on innovation; and that regional investment programs of Vnesheconombank are improving the export activity. All of the investments considered are likely to have contributed to the reduction of unemployment, but their implementation has been accompanied by an increase in social inequality.

scholarly journals POS0208 GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO BIOLOGICALS. WOMEN FARE WORSE ACROSS INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS DISEASES - DATA FROM THE BIOREG

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 320.1-321
Author(s):  
E. Loibner ◽  
V. Ritschl ◽  
B. Leeb ◽  
P. Spellitz ◽  
G. Eichbauer-Sturm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Gender Difference ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Inflammatory Arthritis ◽  
Tnf Inhibitors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
All Diseases

Background:Gender differences in prevalence and disease course are known in various rheumatic diseases; however, investigations of gender difference concerning therapeutical response have yielded variable results.Objectives:The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate, whether a gender difference in response rate to biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and apremilast in bDMARD-naïve patients could be observed across the three most prevalent inflammatory arthritis diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondylarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Additionally, a response to individual TNF blockers was investigated in this respect.Methods:Data from bDMARD-naïve RA-, SpA- and PsA-patients from Bioreg, the Austrian registry for biological DMARDs in rheumatic diseases, were used. Patients with a baseline (Visit 1=V1) and follow-up visits at 6 months (Visit 2=V2) and 12 months (Visit 3=V3) were included and response to therapy with TNF-inhibitors (TNFi), furthermore to therapy with rituximab, tocilizumab and apremilast was analyzed according to gender. The remaining bDMARDs were not analyzed due to small numbers. Key response-parameter for RA was disease activity score (DAS28), whereas for PsoA the Stockerau Activity Score for Psoriatic Arthritis (SASPA) and for SpA the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) were employed; in addition, the Health assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used. Data were analyzed in R Statistic stratified by gender using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests.Results:354 women and 123 men with RA (n=477), 81 women and 69 men with PsA (n=150), 121 women and 191 men with SpA (n=312) were included. No significant differences in biometrics was seen between female and male patients at baseline in all diseases.In RA patients overall DAS28 decreased from baseline (V1) to V2 and V3 (DAS28: V1: male: 4.38 [3.66, 5.11], female: 4.30 [3.68, 5.03], p(m/f) = 0.905; V2: male: 2.66 [1.73, 3.63], female: 3.10 [2.17, 3.98], p(m/f) = 0.015; V3: male: 2.25 [1.39, 3.36], female: 3.01 [1.87, 3.87], p(m/f) = 0.002). For TNF inhibitors (n=311), there was a significant difference between genders at V2 (Fig.1a). Patients receiving Rituximab (n=41) displayed a significantly higher DAS28 at baseline in females, which diminished in the follow up: V1: (p(m/f) p=0.002; V2: p=0.019; V3: p=0.13); response to tocilizumab (n=63) did not show any gender differences.In PsA patients overall SASPA decreased from baseline (V1) to V2 and V3 (SASPA: V1: male: 4.00 [2.80, 5.20], female: 4.40 [2.80, 5.80], p(m/f) = 0.399; V2: male: 2.20 [1.20, 3.50], female: 3.40 [2.00, 5.00], p(m/f) = 0.071; V3: male: 1.80 [0.80, 2.70], female: 3.01 [2.35, 4.80], p(m/f) = 0.001). For TNF inhibitors (n=79), there was a significant difference between genders at V3 (Fig 1a). For Apremilast (n=39), there was a significant difference between genders at V2 (Fig.1c).In SpA patients overall BASDAI decreased from baseline (V1) to V2 and V3 (BASDAI: V1: male: 4.70 [2.88, 6.18], female: 4.80 [3.30, 6.20], p(m/f) = 0.463; V2: male: 3.05 [2.00, 4.60], female: 3.64 [2.62, 5.41], p(m/f) = 0.039; V3: male: 3.02 [1.67, 4.20], female: 3.65 [2.18, 5.47], p(m/f) = 0.016). In V3 a differential BASDAI in response to TNFi (n=299) was observed (Fig.1a).Possible differences of response to individual TNFi (etanercept, infliximab, other TNFi) measured by HAQ were investigated in all diseases together. The difference between male and females was significant at baseline for all 3 TNFi; whereas with the use of ETA the significant difference was carried through to V2 and V3, it was lost with the use of IFX and was variable with the other TNFi (Fig.1b)Figure 1.Conclusion:Female patients showed a statistically lower response to TNFi in all three disease entities (RA, SpA and PsoA) to a variable degree in our homogenous central european population. Interestingly, the difference was not uniform across individual TNFi when measured by HAQ. Gender differences were also seen in response to Apremilast.Disclosure of Interests:Elisabeth Loibner: None declared, Valentin Ritschl: None declared, Burkhard Leeb Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Roche, MSD, Pfizer, Actiopharm, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Kwizda, Celgene, Sandoz, Grünenthal, Eli-Lilly, Grant/research support from: TRB, Roche, Consultancies: AbbVie, Amgen, Roche, MSD, Pfizer, Celgene, Grünenthal, Kwizda, Eli-Lilly, Novartis, Sandoz;, Peter Spellitz: None declared, Gabriela Eichbauer-Sturm: None declared, Jochen Zwerina: None declared, Manfred Herold: None declared, Miriam Stetter: None declared, Rudolf Puchner Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Janssen, Kwizda, MSD, Pfizer, Celgene, Grünenthal, Eli-Lilly, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Celgene, Grünenthal, Eli-Lilly, Franz Singer: None declared, Ruth Fritsch-Stork: None declared

Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Its Alterations After Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 153857442110232
Author(s):  
Spyridon N. Mylonas ◽  
Konstantinos G. Moulakakis ◽  
Nikolaos Kadoglou ◽  
Constantinos Antonopoulos ◽  
Thomas E. Kotsis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Open Repair ◽  
Abdominal Aortic ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Repair Group

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate a potential difference on the arterial stiffness among aneurysm patients and non-aneurysm controls, as well as to explore potential changes between patients treated either with endovascular or open repair. Materials and Methods: A 110 patients with an infrarenal AAA were prospectively enrolled in this study. Fifty-six patients received an EVAR, whereas 54 patients received an open surgical repair. Moreover, 103 gender and age-matched subjects without AAA served as controls. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was applied for measurement of the arterial stiffness. Results: CAVI values were statistically higher in the AAA patients when compared with control subjects. Although at 48 hours postoperatively the CAVI values were increased in both groups when compared to baseline values, the difference in CAVI had a tendency to be higher in the open group compared to the endovascular group. At 6 months of follow up the CAVI values returned to the baseline for the patients of the open repair group. However, in the endovascular group CAVI values remained higher when compared with the baseline values. Conclusion: Patients with AAAs demonstrated a higher value of CAVI compared to healthy controls. A significant increase of arterial stiffness in both groups during the immediate postoperative period was documented. The increase in arterial stiffness remained significant at 6 months in EVAR patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the impact of a decreased aortic compliance after stentgraft implantation on the cardiac function of patients with AAA.

scholarly journals A Comparison of the Clinical and Radiological Extent of Denosumab (Xgeva®) Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2390
Author(s):  
Zineb Assili ◽  
Gilles Dolivet ◽  
Julia Salleron ◽  
Claire Griffaton-Tallandier ◽  
Claire Egloff-Juras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Severe Side Effect ◽  
Dental Arch ◽  
P Value ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Bone Exposure

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe side effect of antiresorptive medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of denosumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and to compare the clinical and radiological extent of osteonecrosis. A retrospective study of patients who received Xgeva® at the Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine (ICL) was performed. Patients for whom clinical and radiological (CBCT) data were available were divided into two groups: “exposed” for patients with bone exposure and “fistula” when only a fistula through which the bone could be probed was observed. The difference between clinical and radiological extent was assessed. The p-value was set at 0.05, and a total of 246 patients were included. The cumulative incidence of osteonecrosis was 0.9% at 6 months, 7% at 12 months, and 15% from 24 months. The clinical extent of MRONJ was significantly less than their radiological extent: in the “exposed” group, 17 areas (45%) were less extensive clinically than radiologically (p < 0.001) and respectively 6 (67%) for the “fistula” group (p < 0.031). It would seem that a CBCT is essential to know the real extent of MRONJ. Thus, it would seem interesting to systematically perform a CBCT during the diagnosis of MRONJ, exploring the entire affected dental arch.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Impact of Floods on Housing Price Using a Spatial Matching Difference-In-Differences (SM-DID) Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 804
Author(s):  
Jean Dubé ◽  
Maha AbdelHalim ◽  
Nicolas Devaux
Keyword(s):  
Housing Price ◽  
Hedonic Pricing ◽  
Environmental Amenities ◽  
Sale Price ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Hedonic Pricing Model ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Many applications have relied on the hedonic pricing model (HPM) to measure the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for urban externalities and natural disasters. The classic HPM regresses housing price on a complete list of attributes/characteristics that include spatial or environmental amenities (or disamenities), such as floods, to retrieve the gradients of the market (marginal) WTP for such externalities. The aim of this paper is to propose an innovative methodological framework that extends the causal relations based on a spatial matching difference-in-differences (SM-DID) estimator, and which attempts to calculate the difference between sale price for similar goods within “treated” and “control” groups. To demonstrate the potential of the proposed spatial matching method, the researchers present an empirical investigation based on the case of a flood event recorded in the city of Laval (Québec, Canada) in 1998, using information on transactions occurring between 1995 and 2001. The research results show that the impact of flooding brings a negative premium on the housing price of about 20,000$ Canadian (CAN).

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