“Föhn illness” and human biometeorology in the Chinook area of Canada

Literature on the nature and possible causes of föhn illness is reviewed. Seven physiological and psychological aspects of human well-being were solicited from 1828 residents of southern Alberta by telephone interview. Data were evaluated to determine if well-being was weather related. Meteorological parameters included eight 48-h weather types, temperature, humidity, wind and pressure. The expected increase in föhn illness symptoms during the frequent warm chinook and decrease at times of cold non-chinook weather were not present. However, with the cool chinook (temperature slightly below freezing) many people claimed additional irritability and, to a lesser extent, more pain in their joints, headaches and nervousness. Several adverse symptoms were positively correlated with wind velocity. However, no widespread chinook illness comparable to the föhn illness was found.     

Physical Health of Young,Australian Women: A Comparison of Two National Cohorts Surveyed 17 Years Apart

Introduction

Very little is known about the extent of physical health issues among young women in early adulthood and whether this is changing over time.

Methods

We used data from two national samples of young women aged 18–23 years, surveyed 17 years apart, who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. We used multinomial logistic regression to compare the women’s physical health (i.e., self-rated health, common symptoms and conditions) and identify whether sociodemographic factors, health behaviours and stress explained any physical health differences between the samples.

Results

Women aged 18–23 years in 2013 (N = 17,069) were more likely to report poor self-rated health and physical symptoms (particularly urogenital and bowel symptoms) than women aged 18–23 years in 1996 (N = 14,247). Stress accounted for a large proportion of the physical health differences between the cohorts, particularly for allergies, headaches, self-rated health, severe tiredness, skin problems, severe period pain and hypertension.

Conclusions

Women’s health appears to be changing, with young women born in more recent decades reporting greater physical symptom levels. Changing socio-cultural and economic conditions may place pressure on young adults, negatively affecting their health and wellbeing. Assessing the extent to which social structures and health care policies are offering adequate support to young women may offer avenues for promoting positive health and wellbeing.     

Isolation and characterization of a trypsin fraction from the pyloric ceca of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

A trypsin fraction was isolated from the pyloric ceca of New Zealand farmed chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) by ammonium sulfate fractionation, acetone precipitation and affinity chromatography. The chinook salmon enzyme hydrolyzed the trypsin-specific synthetic substrate benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (dl-BAPNA), and was inhibited by the general serine protease inhibitor phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and also by the specific trypsin inhibitors — soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and benzamidine. The enzyme was active over a broad pH range (from 7.5 to at least pH 10.0) at 25 °C and was stable from pH 4.0 to pH 10.0 when incubated at 20 °C, with a maximum at pH 8.0. The optimum temperature for the hydrolysis of dl-BAPNA by the chinook salmon enzyme was 60 °C, however, the enzyme was unstable at temperatures above 40 °C. The molecular mass of the chinook salmon trypsin was estimated as 28 kDa by SDS–PAGE.     

Weather fronts and acute myocardial infarction

Some methodological aspects are discussed of the investigation of acute infarct myocarditis (AIM) in relation to weather fronts. Results of a new method of analysis are given. Data were analysed from about the hour of the onset of symptoms, and led to the diagnosis of AIM either immediately or within a few hours or days (3019 cases observed over 4.5 years during 1982–1986 in Plzen, Czechoslovakia). Weather classification was based on three factors (the type of the foregoing front, the type of the subsequent front, the time section of the time interval demarcated by the passage of the surfaces of the fronts). AIM occurrence increased in particular types of weather fronts: (i) by 30% during 7–12 h after a warm front, if the time span between fronts exceeded 24 h; (ii) by 10% in time at least 36 h distant from the foregoing cold or occlusion front and from the succeeding warm or occlusion front; (iii) by 20% during 0–2 h before the passage of the front, provided the foregoing front was not warm and the interval between fronts exceeded 5 h. AIM occurrence decreased by 15%–20% for time span between fronts > 24 h at times 6–11, 6–23 and 6–35 h before a coming warm or occlusion front (for interfrontal intervals 25–48, 49–72 and possibly > 72 h), and also at 12–23 and possibly 12–35 h before a cold front (for intervals 49–72 and possibly > 72 h), if the foregoing front was cold or an occlusion front.     

Incidence of Induced Abortion in Uganda, 2013: New Estimates Since 2003

BackgroundIn Uganda, abortion is permitted only when the life of a woman is in danger. This restriction compels the perpetuation of the practice in secrecy and often under unsafe conditions. In 2003, 294,000 induced abortions were estimated to occur each year in Uganda. Since then, no other research on abortion incidence has been conducted in the country.MethodsData from 418 health facilities were used to estimate the number and rate of induced abortion in 2013. An indirect estimation methodology was used to calculate the annual incidence of induced abortions ─ nationally and by major regions. The use of a comparable methodology in an earlier study permits assessment of trends between 2003 and 2013.ResultsIn 2013, an estimated 128,682 women were treated for abortion complications and an estimated 314,304 induced abortions occurred, both slightly up from 110,000 and 294,000 in 2003, respectively. The national abortion rate was 39 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–49, down from 51 in 2003. Regional variation in abortion rates is very large, from as high as an estimated 77 per 1,000 women 15–49 in Kampala region, to as low as 18 per 1,000 women in Western region. The overall pregnancy rate also declined from 326 to 288; however the proportion of pregnancies that were unintended increased slightly, from 49% to 52%.ConclusionUnsafe abortion remains a major problem confronting Ugandan women. Although the overall pregnancy rate and the abortion rate declined in the past decade, the majority of pregnancies to Ugandan women are still unintended. These findings reflect the increase in the use of modern contraception but also suggest that a large proportion of women are still having difficulty practicing contraception effectively. Improved access to contraceptive services and abortion-related care are still needed.     

Increase in numbers of male fur seals Arctocephalus gazella during the summer autumn period at Mossman Peninsula (Laurie Island)

Summary The fur seal, Arctocephalus gazella, population at Mossman Peninsula (Laurie Island) was studied from 1985 to 1987. Weekly counts were carried out at a 4 km bachelor haul-out beach from December through June. Maxima of 2 240, 2 787 and 5 196 juvenile and adult males were counted during March of the respective years. Census data indicate an increase in the non-breeding population of 13.5% between 1985–1986 and 46.5% between 1986–1987.     

Growth and Fluctuating Asymmetry of Stepchildren

Parental caretaking is critical for child health and psychological development. Evolutionary logic and empirical studies suggest that stepchildren sometimes may receive less care and experience more traumas than genetic offspring. In this article, we investigate the effects of stepfamily environment on children's physical growth as part of a 12-year (1988–1999) project investigating child health in a rural village on the east coast of Dominica. Participants were 238 children aged 0–20 (X = 10.53) residing in the village of Bwa Mawego. Information on family environments was collected continuously since 1988. Here we analyze data from a longitudinal series of anthropometric measures collected in 1997, 1998, and 1999. To assess general growth, we measured height, weight, head circumference, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, and peri-umbilical skinfold. We also collected medical records of weight from birth through 3 years of age. To assess fluctuating asymmetry (FA), we measured bilateral (right and left side) arm circumference, calf circumference, wrist breadth, ankle breadth, ear breadth, ear height, and length of digits 2–5. Coresidence with stepfather was associated with suboptimal growth. Female stepchildren aged 0–10 and male stepchildren aged 10–20 had lower body weight for age than other children, including their coresident half-siblings. Stepchildren and nonstepchildren had similar weights at birth, and similar muscle and fat cross-sections. Contrary to expectations, FA of stepchildren was lower than in other children. Recognition of the high risk of poor growth for stepchildren is important because of subsequent associations with morbidity, psychological problems, and educational performance. Why stepchildren had significantly lower FA than others warrants further investigation.     

Effects of tide range alterations on salt marsh sediments in the Eastern Scheldt,S. W. Netherlands

The construction of three dams induced large changes in the tide range in the Eastern Scheldt, a tidal inlet in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. In 1986 the mean high tide level was reduced by almost one metre. This excluded the greater part of the medium-high marshes almost completely from tidal flooding.The absence of tidal flooding in the summer of 1986, combined with a net precipitation deficit, increased the bulk density of the sediment irreversibly from 400 to 530 kg m^–3 in the top 5 cm. The subsidence of the backmarshes varied from 1 to 8 cm.The loss of moisture allowed oxygen to diffuse into the initial reducing sediment. This altered the geochemistry of the sediment significantly. The redoxcline was lowered from a mean depth of about 15 cm in 1985 to 20–30 cm in the summer of 1986. Evidence of pyrite oxidation within a narrow depth interval of 15–30 cm was obtained from the change in the composition of pore waters. The rapid increase in redox potentials (up to 600 mV) and total dissolved iron (up to 5 mM 1^–1) and SO _inf4 ^sup2– (up to 65 mM 1^–1) and the decrease in pH (up to 4.5–2.5) all suggest a rapid oxidation of pyrite. Acidic conditions were found only in sediments with low contents of calcium carbonate and high contents of pyrite. The importance of seasonal changes in redox processes on the partial decalcification of the salt marsh sediments is discussed.The established of a new tide range was reflected in the pH and Eh of the sediment. In December 1987 the depth profiles of pH and Eh were again close to those observed in 1985.     

Changes in maternal age distribution and their possible impact on demand for prenatal diagnostic services

Between 1977 and 1985 there was a 65% increase in births to women aged 35 or more in England and Wales, but only a 15% increase in all births. Two factors of roughly equal importance were responsible for this differential increase. Firstly, the proportion of older women (35-44) among all women of reproductive age (15-44) increased from 28% in 1977 to 31% in 1985; and, secondly, in the same period the fertility rate for women aged 35-39 increased from 18·2 to 24·1 per 1000 and for women aged 40-44 from 4·1 to 4·6 per 1000.The increased fertility rate among older women is not due to an extension of the reproductive period but to a delay in childbearing. This delay was seen in women married only once and also in those who had remarried.As prenatal diagnosis for the exclusion of chromosome abnormalities is customarily offered to older mothers the increased numbers of women aged 35 or more and their increased fertility rate have important implications for the provision of obstetric and laboratory services. There were 51 859 live births to women aged 35 and over in 1985; the projected figure for 2001 is 85 000. If the use of prenatal diagnosis continues to increase facilities for about 70 000 prenatal cytogenetic analyses will be needed in 2001.     

Prevalence of Radiographic Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Its Relationship to Self-Reported Pain

Background and Aim

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common skeletal disorders, yet little data are available in Asian populations. We sought to assess the prevalence and pattern of radiographic OA of the knee, and its relationship to self-reported pain in a Vietnamese population.

Methods

The study was based on a sample of 170 men and 488 women aged ≥40 years who were randomly sampled from the Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). Radiographs of the knee were graded from 0 to 4 according to the Kellgren and Lawrence scale. Osteoarthritis was defined as being present in a knee if radiographic grades of 2 or higher were detected. Knee pain and symptoms were ascertained by direct interview using a structured questionnaire.

Results

The point prevalence of radiographic OA of the knee was 34.2%, with women having higher rate than men (35.3% vs 31.2%). The prevalence of knee OA increased with advancing age: 8% among those aged 40–49 years, 30% in those aged 50–59 years, and 61.1% in those aged ≥60 years. Greater BMI was associated with higher risk of knee OA. Self-reported knee pain was found in 35% of men and 62% of women. There was a statistically significant association between self-reported knee pain and knee OA (prevalence ratio 3.1; 95% CI 2.0 to 4.6).

Conclusions

These data indicate that approximately a third of Vietnamese men and women have radiographic OA in the knee, and that self-reported knee pain may be used as an indicator of knee osteoarthritis.     

Gender Difference in Associations between Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders and General Quality of Life in Koreans: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is known to have strong correlations with psychological factors and to display gender disparity. However, while chronic TMD is known to affect quality of life, large-scale studies investigating the influence on quality of life by gender are scarce.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed the data of 17,198 participants aged ≥19 years who completed chronic TMD and EuroQol-5 Dimension sections in the 4^th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2009). We adjusted for covariates (health behavior, sociodemographic factors) in regression analysis for complex sampling design to calculate regression coefficients and 95% CIs for gender difference in the association between chronic TMD and quality of life. We also evaluated which covariates of somatic health, mental health, health behavior, and sociodemographic factors weakened the relationship between TMD and EQ-5D.

Results

Prevalence of chronic TMD was 1.6% (men 1.3%, women 1.8%), and chronic TMD persisted to negatively impact quality of life even after adjusting for confounding variables. Low sociodemographic factors and health behavior had a negative effect on quality of life. Somatic health and mental health were most affected by chronic TMD. As for quality of life, women were affected to a greater extent than men by TMD. Women were more affected by osteoarthritis and general mental health (stress, depressive symptoms, and thoughts of suicide), and men by employment.

Conclusions

These results imply that chronic diseases and psychological factors are important in chronic TMD, and that there may be physiological and pathological gender differences in TMD.     

Relative Deprivation,Poverty, and Subjective Health: JAGES Cross-Sectional Study

To evaluate the association between relative deprivation (lacking daily necessities) and subjective health in older Japanese adults, we performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). The data were obtained from functionally independent residents aged ≥65 years from 24 municipalities in Japan (n = 24,742). Thirteen items in three dimensions were used to evaluate relative deprivation of material conditions. Approximately 28% of older Japanese people indicated that they lacked some daily necessities (non-monetary poverty). A two-level Poisson regression analysis revealed that relative deprivation was associated with poor self-rated health (PR = 1.3–1.5) and depressive symptoms (PR = 1.5–1.8) in both men and women, and these relationships were stronger than those observed in people living in relative poverty (monetary poverty). The interaction effect between relative deprivation and relative poverty was not associated with poor health. As a dimension of the social determinants of health, poverty should be evaluated from a multidimensional approach, capturing not only monetary conditions but also material-based, non-monetary conditions.     

Psychosocial Mechanisms Linking the Social Environment to Mental Health in African Americans

Resource-poor social environments predict poor health, but the mechanisms and processes linking the social environment to psychological health and well-being remain unclear. This study explored psychosocial mediators of the association between the social environment and mental health in African American adults. African American men and women (n = 1467) completed questionnaires on the social environment, psychosocial factors (stress, depressive symptoms, and racial discrimination), and mental health. Multiple-mediator models were used to assess direct and indirect effects of the social environment on mental health. Low social status in the community (p < .001) and U.S. (p < .001) and low social support (p < .001) were associated with poor mental health. Psychosocial factors significantly jointly mediated the relationship between the social environment and mental health in multiple-mediator models. Low social status and social support were associated with greater perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and perceived racial discrimination, which were associated with poor mental health. Results suggest the relationship between the social environment and mental health is mediated by psychosocial factors and revealed potential mechanisms through which social status and social support influence the mental health of African American men and women. Findings from this study provide insight into the differential effects of stress, depression and discrimination on mental health. Ecological approaches that aim to improve the social environment and psychosocial mediators may enhance health-related quality of life and reduce health disparities in African Americans.     

Associations between symptoms of irritable colon and psychological and social conditions and lifestyle.

In a survey of risk factors for coronary heart disease 14 102 middle aged men and women answered a questionnaire on lifestyle, diet, and health, including symptoms of functional abdominal disorders. The overall prevalence of reports of one or both of the abdominal symptoms of "bloating and rumbling" or "cramping abdominal pain" was 28% in men and 35% in women. Only a weak negative association between age and prevalence of reported pain was found in both sexes. Women reported abdominal symptoms, especially cramping abdominal pain, significantly more commonly than men. In a multiple regression analysis abdominal symptoms were much more strongly associated with symptoms of mental stress such as depression, sleeping difficulties, problems of coping, and the use of analgesics than with lifestyle, dietary, and social variables together. The association was stronger in subjects reporting both symptoms. This strong and consistent association between functional abdominal disorders and psychological and social problems suggests that action other than prescribing drugs, diets, or radiography is required.     

Sickness absence as a global measure of health: evidence from mortality in the Whitehall II prospective cohort study

Objective To examine the association between sickness absence and mortality compared with associations between established health indicators and mortality.Design Prospective cohort study. Medical examination and questionnaire survey conducted in 1985-8; sickness absence records covered the period 1985-98.Setting 20 civil service departments in London.Participants 6895 male and 3413 female civil servants aged 35-55 years.Main outcome measure All cause mortality until the end of 1999.Results After adjustment for age and grade, men and women who had more than five medically certified absences (spells > 7 days) per 10 years had a mortality 4.8 (95% confidence interval 3.3 to 6.9) and 2.7 (1.5 to 4.9) times greater than those with no such absence. Poor self rated health, presence of longstanding illness, and a measure of common clinical conditions comprising diabetes, diagnosed heart disease, abnormalities on electrocardiogram, hypertension, and respiratory illness were all associated with mortality—relative rates between 1.3 and 1.9. In a multivariate model including all the above health indicators and additional health risk factors, medically certified sickness absence remained a significant predictor of mortality. No linear association existed between self certified absence (spells 1-7 days) and mortality, but the findings suggest that a small amount of self certified absence is protective.Conclusion Evidence linking sickness absence to mortality indicates that routinely collected sickness absence data could be used as a global measure of health differentials between employees. However, such approaches should focus on medically certified (or long term) absences rather than self certified absences.     

Symptoms of Eating Disorders and Depression in Emerging Adults with Early-Onset,Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes and Their Association with Metabolic Control

Background

This study analyzed the prevalence of and association between symptoms of eating disorders and depression in female and male emerging adults with early-onset, long-duration type 1 diabetes and investigated how these symptoms are associated with metabolic control.

Methods

In a nationwide population-based survey, 211 type 1 diabetes patients aged 18-21 years completed standardized questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorder symptoms and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of depression and severity of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between eating disorder and depressive symptoms and their associations with HbA1c.

Results

A total of 30.2% of the women and 9.5% of the men were screening positive for eating disorders. The mean PHQ-9 score (standard deviation) was 5.3 (4.4) among women and 3.9 (3.6) among men. Screening positive for an eating disorder was associated with more severe depressive symptoms among women (β_women 3.8, p<0.001). However, neither eating disorder symptoms nor severity of depressive symptoms were associated with HbA1c among women, while HbA1c increased with the severity of depressive symptoms among men (β_men 0.14, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Because of the high prevalence of eating disorder and depressive symptoms, their interrelationship, and their associations with metabolic control, particularly among men, regular mental health screening is recommended for young adults with type 1 diabetes.     

Spatiotemporal Clusters and Trend of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in Korea

This study was done to provide an overview of the latest trichomoniasis status in Korea by finding disease clusters and analyzing temporal trends during 2012–2020. Data were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) of Korea. SaTScan and Joinpoint programs were used for statistical analyses. Gyeonggi-do had the highest average population and highest number of cases. The high incidence of T. vaginalis infections were observed among women aged 40–49 and 30–39 years (33,830/year and 33,179/year, respectively). Similarly, the 40–49 and 30–39 age group in men showed the highest average cases (1,319/year and 1,282/year, respectively). Jeollabuk-do was the most likely cluster, followed by Busan/Gyeongsangnam-do/Ulsan/Daegu and Jeju-do and Gwangju. Urban and rural differences were prominent. Trichomoniasis has decreased significantly in most clusters, except for Incheon. Trichomoniasis was decreasing in women recently after peaking around 2014. Men showed different trends according to age. Trichomoniasis was increasing in the 10–39 age groups, but decreasing in the 40–59 age groups. This study might provide an analytic basis for future health measures, policy-makers, and health authorities in developing effective system for prevention of trichomoniasis.     

Socio-Economic Disparities in Use of Family Planning Methods among Pakistani Women: Findings from Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys

BackgroundSeveral developing countries like Pakistan step into Sustainable Development Goals period with crucial maternal and child health needs that need to be addressed for improving health outcomes among people. We aim to explore existent socio-economic disparities in use of family planning methods (FPM) among Pakistani women, and compare any such inequalities between the years 2006 and 2013.SettingPakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) 2006–7 (n = 9177) and the most recent 2012–13(n = 13558) data were used to conduct secondary analysis. Participants were ever married women aged between 15 and 49 years. Socio-economic status was assessed by the education level and wealth index. Inequalities were measured through Odds Ratio (OR), Relative Index of inequality (RII), and Slope index of inequality (SII) on non-use of FPM.ResultsAlthough the prevalence of FPM use has increased over time (28% in 2006 versus 54% in 2013), the socio-economic inequalities persistently exist. Comparing results of PDHS 2006 with PDHS 2013, education related absolute inequalities among urban dwellers increased from -0.41 (95% CI -0.67, -0.13, p-value < 0.01) to -0.83 (95% CI -1.02, -0.63, p-value < 0.01); and increased from -0.93 (95% CI -1.21, -0.64, p-value < 0.01) to -0.98 (95% CI -1.20, -0.76, p-value < 0.01) among rural dwellers. Similarly wealth related absolute inequalities are also existent.ConclusionsAlthough the FPM use has increased over time, but it is important to note that socio-economic gap in use of FPM persists. Such differences have disadvantaged the poor and the illiterate. Family planning programs may target the disadvantaged subgroups for ensuring well-being of women and children in Pakistan.     

Serum selenium and selenoprotein P status in adult Danes – 8-year followup

Selenium is an essential micronutrient important to human health. The main objective of this study is to describe serum selenium and selenoprotein P status in two samples of the Danish population. In addition, the influence of various factors potentially associated with selenium status was investigated.Blood samples from a total of 817 randomly selected subjects from two cities in Denmark were analyzed. Half of the samples were collected in 1997–1998 and the other half in 2004–2005. Samples from women aged 18–22, 40–45 and 60–65 years, and men aged 60–65 years were selected for this study. All subjects had filled in a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a questionnaire with information about smoking habits, alcohol consumption and exercise habits.Mean serum selenium level was 98.7±19.8 μg/L and median selenoprotein P level was 2.72 (2.18–3.49) mg/L. Serum selenium and selenoprotein P increased with age, and selenoprotein P was higher in men than in women. Serum selenium levels decreased by 5% on average from 1997–98 to 2004–05 (P<0.001), whereas selenoprotein P level increased (P<0.001). The intake of fish correlated weakly with serum selenium level (r=0.14, P<0.001) but not with selenoprotein P level. Smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise habits, BMI and medicine use did not influence selenium status.It is concluded that selenium status in this Danish population is at an acceptable level. No major groups with regard to age, sex or lifestyle factors could be identified as being in risk for selenium deficiency.