Changes in Jewish mortality and survival, 1963–1987

Abstract

From information on mortality of Jews obtained from individual death certificates and population data from surveys of the Jewish population undertaken in 1963 and 1987, age‐specific death rates and life expectancy of the Jewish population of Rhode Island are compared with those of the total white population for 1963 and 1987 to assess changing differentials. The Jewish mortality experience continues to differ from that of the larger population even while both groups have experienced noticeable improvements. For males, the age standardized rates have widened in favor of Jews as have the life expectancies at birth and the percentage surviving to old age. By contrast, for females, the standardized death rate has widened considerably in favor of whites, while life expectancy has improved almost identically for both groups and therefore remained about equal, as it was in 1963. Reasons for these patterns are explored through attention to differences between Jews and the general white population in death rates at particular stages of the life cycle. Jews tend to be more advantaged at all but the most advanced ages, age groups in which proportionally more of the Jewish population and Jewish deaths are concentrated.     

Changes in the population of forest and dendrophilous birds of the clay semidesert in the Volga–Ural interfluve over sixty years

The modern situation of the vertebrate population in the clay semidesert of the interfluve of the Volga and Ural rivers differs significantly from that observed 50–60 years ago. This is due to the fact that reduction of ravine forests and steppe shrubs (which began in the 18th century) has extremely affected the forest and dendrophilous animals. The artificial afforestation, especially intense since the middle of the 20th century, provided surrogate “forest” sites in the region by the end of the 1970s. This helped to restore the missing species and raise the abundance and dispersal of forest and dendrophilous animals. By the beginning of the 21st century, afforestation had stopped in the region and the plantation areas had begun to shrink. Some trends in the populations of mammals and birds can be already noticed.     

Cancer incidence and mortality in the Greater Poland Region—Analysis of the year 2010 and future trends

Background and aim

The Greater Poland Region is one of the most industrialised areas of Poland, with a high rate of cancer incidence and mortality. The present report estimated incidence and mortality data for Greater Poland in the year 2010.

Methods

Statistical reports in this study include absolute number of cases and crude incidence rates. The derived age-, sex-, and site specific rates were age-standardised (ASRs per 100,000 person-years) using the European (ASRE) standard population.

Results

In 2010, a total 13,581 new cancer cases were reported to the Greater Poland Cancer Registry. The number of new cases increased by 24% compared to 2001. Greater Poland has the second-highest ASR for both females and males among the 16 regions in Poland. The most common cancers are similar to those in other Western European countries. Among men, the most common cancers are lung (C34), colorectal (C18-C21), and prostate (C61) cancer. In women, breast cancer is the most common (C50), followed by colon (C18-C21) and lung (C34) cancer. Lung cancer in males accounts for more than one-third of all cancer-related deaths in Greater Poland. As in 2009, lung cancer is the leading cause of death in women.

Conclusions

Given the ageing of the population, the incidence of chronic diseases, including cancer, is expected to grow. These data indicate that cancer will continue to represent an important challenge both to local health authorities and the National Health Fund, which will need to meet the growing demand for cancer care.     

Changes in Sexual Risk Behavior in the Mombasa Cohort: 1993–2007

The Mombasa Cohort is an open cohort study following HIV-seronegative women reporting transactional sex. Established in 1993, the cohort provides regular HIV counseling and testing at monthly visits. Over time, HIV acquisition risk has declined steadily in this cohort. To evaluate whether this decline may reflect changes in sexual risk behavior, we investigated trends in condom use and partner numbers among women who participated in the Mombasa Cohort between 1993 and 2007. Multinomial logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association of calendar time and follow-up time with key risk behaviors, after adjustment for potential confounding factors. At enrollment visits by 1,844 women, the adjusted probability of never using condoms decreased over time, from 34.2% to 18.9%. Over 23,911 follow-up visits, the adjusted probabilities of reporting >2 partners decreased from 9.9% to 4.9% and inconsistent condom use decreased from 7.9% to 5.3% after ≥12 cohort visits. Important predictors of risk behavior were work venue, charging low fees for sex, and substance abuse. Women with a later sexual debut had less risky behavior. Although sexual risk has declined among women participating in the Mombasa Cohort, HIV acquisition continues to occur and interventions to promote and reinforce safer sex are clearly needed.     

The burden of malaria in Sudan: incidence, mortality and disability – adjusted life – years

Background

The goal of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) is to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by 50% by the year 2010, and still further thereafter until the disease becomes no more a threat to public health. To contribute to the monitoring and evaluation process of this goal, two surveys were carried out in 2000 and 2003 in households and health facilities in the Kassena-Nankana district, northern Ghana using the RBM-WHO/AFRO monitoring and evaluation tools for malaria control activities.

Methods

Data were collected from mothers/caretakers on signs/symptoms of the most recent malaria attack for their under five year old children; the management actions that they took and their perception of health services provided at the health facilities, bednet use, antenatal attendance and place of delivery for the most recent pregnancy, malaria prophylaxis during their last pregnancy. Community health workers and herbalist/traditional healers were also interviewed about the types of health services they provide to community members.

Results

The results revealed a significant improvement in knowledge among mothers/caretakers over the three-year period; this affected caretakers' initial management of illnesses of their young children. The management in terms of the type and dosage of drugs used also improved significantly (p < 0.0001) over the period. Reported insecticide-treated bed net use among children under-five years and pregnant women significantly increased between 2000 and 2003 (p < 0.0001). Health professionals had improved on adoption of their quality of care roles. The intensification of malaria control activities and awareness creation in this district over a three year period had started demonstrating positive results towards reducing malaria disease burden.

Conclusion

Periodic performance assessments through surveys as described and prompt feedback of results to stakeholders in the locality serves as a catalyst to improving malaria control in malaria-endemic countries.     

Renal cell cancer in Israel: Sex and ethnic differences in incidence and mortality, 1980–2004

Background: The causes of renal cell cancer (RCC) remain largely unexplained. While the incidence is generally higher in men than in women, little has been reported on ethnic differences. We examine trends in RCC incidence and mortality rates among Israeli Arab and Jewish populations and compared with the rates in other countries. Methods: Age-adjusted RCC incidence and mortality rates in Israel, during 1980–2004, were calculated by sex and population group, using the National Cancer Registry. They were compared with the United States based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] program and the IARC database for international comparisons. Results: While RCC incidence rates in Israel are similar to the United States and the European average, the rates are significantly higher among Israeli Jews than Arabs. Men are affected more than women. Incidence rates over the last 24 years have increased among all men and Jewish women, but not among Arab women. Among men, the incidence rate ratio for Jews to Arabs declined from 3.96 in 1980–1982 to 2.34 in 2001–2004, whereas for women there was no change. The mortality rates were higher among Jews than Arab and among men than women. There were no significant change in the mortality rates and rate ratios. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate marked ethnic differences in RCC in Israel. The lower incidence among Arabs stands in contrast to the higher prevalence of potential risk factors for RCC in this population group. Genetic factors, diet and other lifestyle factors could play protective roles.     

Patterns and trends in the incidence of paediatric and adult germ cell tumours in Australia, 1982–2011

PurposeGerm cell tumour (GCT) aetiology is uncertain and comprehensive epidemiological studies of GCT incidence are few.MethodsNationwide data on all malignant GCTs notified to Australian population-based cancer registries during 1982–2011 were obtained. Age- and sex-specific, and World age-standardised incidence rates were calculated for paediatric (0–14) and adult (15+) cases using the latest WHO subtype classification scheme. Temporal trends were examined using Joinpoint regression.ResultsThere were 17,279 GCTs (552 paediatric, 16,727 adult). Age-specific incidence in males (all histologies combined) was bimodal, with peaks during infancy for most sites, and second, larger, peaks during young adulthood. Incidence of ovarian tumours peaked at age 15–19. Around half of paediatric tumours were extragonadal, whereas adult tumours were mostly gonadal. Yolk sac tumours and teratomas predominated in infants, whereas germinomas became more frequent towards adulthood. Increasing incidence trends for some adult gonadal tumours have stabilised; the trend for male extragonadal tumours is also declining.ConclusionBroad similarities in the shape of age-specific incidence curves, particularly for gonadal, central nervous system, and mediastinal tumours provide epidemiological support for commonalities in aetiology among clinically disparate GCT subtypes. Differences in peak ages reflect underlying subtype-specific biological differences. Declining incidence trends for some adult gonadal tumours accords with the global transition in GCT incidence, and supports the possibility of a reduction in prevalence of shared aetiological exposures.     

Reliability and validity of the Korean version of Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire in adults aged 20–39 years

Morningness–Eveningness (ME) can be defined by the difference in individual diurnal preference observed from general behavioral patterns including sleep habits. The Horne & Östberg Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) has been used for classifying ME types. We examined the reliability of a Korean version of the MEQ (Korean MEQ) and verified its validity by comparing responses on the Korean MEQ to objectively-recorded sleep–wake rhythms. After translating and back translating the MEQ from English into Korean, we examined the internal consistency of 19 items of the Korean MEQ in 91 subjects, and the test–retest reliability in 21 subjects who took the Korean MEQ twice, 4 weeks apart. The Korean MEQ was then administered to 1022 young adult subjects. A subset of 46 morning, neither, and evening type subjects took part in a validation study in which their rest-activity timing was collected by actigraphy for 7 days. Cosinor analyses on these data were done to obtain the acrophase and amplitude of the sleep–wake rhythm. Cronbach’s alpha of the total scores from the Korean MEQ was 0.77, and the test–retest reliability intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.90 (p?<?0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between Korean MEQ score and reported sleep–wake timing among the entire cohort (p?<?0.0001). There was a significant difference in bedtime and wake time (on both work and free days), and in the mean sleep–wake rhythm acrophase, between ME types (p?<?0.01). In this study, the validity of the Korean MEQ was verified by illustrating the difference in acrophases of the sleep–wake rhythm between the ME types in young adults.     

Changes in size of Baltic field voles over the last 50 years: are they really shrinking?

Using museum materials and recently trapped specimens of field voles (Microtus agrestis (Linnaeus, 1761)) from Lithuania and Estonia, we assessed temporal and latitudinal trends in body and skull size, comparing the periods 1980–1996 and 2014–2016. We measured four body and 23 skull characters, size-adjusting them using the geometric mean procedure. A pronounced decrease in the size of M. agrestis was noted in Estonia, where 23 out of 27 adjusted body and skull characters had decreased by up to 21.9%, with only the tail length, hind foot length, maximum height of mandibula excluding coronoid process and coronoid height of mandibula increasing significantly. Decreases were less marked in voles from Lithuania – most pronounced were a 6.1% decrease in adjusted body length, an 11.6% decrease in adjusted length of the braincase, a 3.85% decrease in the breadth of the braincase, measured at the widest part, a 2.9% decrease in condylobasal skull length and a 2.2% decrease in the height of the braincase. The coronoid height of the mandibula of Lithuanian individuals showed an 8.4% size increase. In both countries, the confounding effect of sex on the size changes of M. agrestis from 1980 to 2016 was much smaller than the effect of time period. Concluding, voles in Estonia became significantly smaller, while changes in the measured characters in Lithuania were heterogeneous.     

Secular trends in incidence and mortality of bladder cancer in China, 1990–2017: A joinpoint and age-period-cohort analysis

BackgroundBladder cancer is closely related to occupational carcinogens, and China is undergoing a rapid industrialization. However, trend of bladder cancer incidence and mortality remains unknown in China.MethodsIncidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer (1990–2017) were collected for each 5-year age group stratified by gender (males/females) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) of rates were analyzed by joinpoint regression analysis; age, period and cohort effects on incidence and mortality were simultaneously estimated by age-period-cohort model.ResultsThrough 1990–2017, age-standardized incidence rates significantly rose in men (AAPC = 0.72%, 95% CI: 0.5%, 0.9%) while decreased in women (-1.25%: -1.6%, -0.9%); age-standardized mortality rates decreased in both men (-1.09%: -1.2%, -0.9%) and women (-2.48%: -2.8%, -2.2%). The joinpoint regression analysis showed the mortality almost decreased in all age groups; while the incidence increased in men for older age groups (from 45 to 49 to 80–84). Moreover, age effect showed the incidence and mortality increased with age; the incidence and mortality increased with time period, while in women period effect stop decreasing and began to increase since 2007; cohort effect showed them decreased with birth cohorts.ConclusionsThe incidence of bladder cancer is increasing in men but mortality decreases in both sexes. Both the incidence and mortality in men substantially increase with age and period, while the rates in women increased with period since 2007. The period effect may indicate the increased risks to bladder cancer in Chinese men. Etiological studies are needed to identify the factors driving these trends of bladder cancer.     

Geographic variations in cancer incidence and mortality in the State of São Paulo,Brazil 2001–17

BackgroundCancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil and the burden is rising. To better inform tailored cancer actions, we compare incidence and mortality profiles according to small areas in the capital and northeast region of the State of São Paulo for the leading cancer types.MethodsNew cancer cases were obtained from cancer registries covering the department of Barretos (2003–2017) and the municipality of São Paulo (2001–2015). Cancer deaths for the same period were obtained from a Brazilian public government database. Age-standardized rates per 100,000 persons-years by cancer and sex are presented as thematic maps, by municipality for Barretos region, and by district for São Paulo.ResultsProstate and breast cancer were the leading forms of cancer incidence in Barretos, with lung cancer leading in terms of cancer mortality in both regions. The highest incidence and mortality rates were seen in municipalities from the northeast of Barretos region in both sexes, while elevated incidence rates were mainly found in São Paulo districts with high and very high socioeconomic status (SES), with mortality rates more dispersed. Breast cancer incidence rates in São Paulo were 30 % higher than Barretos, notably in high and very high SES districts, while corresponding rates of cervical cancer conveyed the opposite profile, with elevated rates in low and medium SES districts.ConclusionsThere is substantial diversity in the cancer profiles in the two regions, by cancer type and sex, with a clear relation between the cancer incidence and mortality patterns observed at the district level and corresponding SES in the capital.     

Changes in the decapod fauna of an Arctic fjord during the last 100 years (1908–2007)

Whereas Arctic benthic decapods are not a species-rich group, they can dominate the local epifauna and play important roles in the ecosystem. We studied the decapod fauna from Isfjorden (Svalbard, Norway, 78°N) by sampling from 22 stations and comparing with 50 and 100-year-old data from the same localities. Our data provide no evidence of changes in the species composition of decapods during the last 50 years. Hence, we do not observe the poleward shift of species found in several pelagic communities in the North Atlantic. However, there is statistical evidence for changes in the community structure between 1908 and both 1958 and 2007. The main change is a shift towards communities more dominated by the spider crab Hyas araneus and the hermit crab Pagurus pubescens in 2007, and with a corresponding decrease in the two shrimp species Lebbeus polaris and Spirontocaris spinus. These shrimps are specialist predators compared to the more opportunistic, scavenging crabs. We argue that increased disturbance levels may be a causal factor behind the observed community change, with likely sources of disturbance including trawling and climatic fluctuations.     

National and regional breast cancer incidence and mortality trends in Mexico 2001–2011: Analysis of a population-based database

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in Mexican women since 2006. However, due to a lack of cancer registries, data is scarce. We sought to describe breast cancer trends in Mexico using population-based data from a national database and to analyze geographical and age-related differences in incidence and mortality rates.MethodsAll incident breast cancer cases reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System and all breast cancer deaths registered by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico from 2001 to 2011 were included. Incidence and mortality rates were calculated for each age group and for 3 geographic regions of the country. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine trends in BC incidence and mortality. We estimated annual percentage change (APC) using weighted least squares log-linear regression.ResultsWe found an increase in the reported national incidence, with an APC of 5.9% (95% CI 4.1–7.7, p < 0.05). Women aged 60–65 had the highest increase in incidence (APC 7.89%; 95% CI 5.5 −10.3, p < 0.05). Reported incidence rates were significantly increased in the Center and in the South of the country, while in the North they remained stable. Mortality rates also showed a significant increase, with an APC of 0.4% (95% CI 0.1–0.7, p < 0.05). Women 85 and older had the highest increase in mortality (APC 2.99%, 95% CI 1.9–4.1; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe reporting of breast cancer cases in Mexico had a continuous increase, which could reflect population aging, increased availability of screening, an improvement in the number of clinical facilities and better reporting of cases. Although an improvement in the detection of cases is the most likely explanation for our findings, our results point towards an epidemiological transition in Mexico and should help in guiding national policy in developing countries.     

Envenomation and the bite rate by venomous snakes in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the period (2015–2018)

Snakebite being medical emergency and known cause for increased mortality needs assessment and treatment on high-priority bases, even in patients of snakebite who appear fine initially. The current retrospective study presents the snake bites in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2018 reported by General Administration of Statistics and Information, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data presented in the current study, was extracted, analyzed, and reported after getting ethical approval from institutional committee. Totally, 14,679 cases of snakebites were reported during the four-year study period, with a higher prevalence in males (80%) in their productive age. Most patients were within the age group between 25 and 44 followed by 44 to 64 years. The majority of snakebite affected inhabitants were reported from farms of the rural areas, commonly during night hours of spring and summer seasons when snakes are very active. Only 36 (0.24%) patients out of 14,679 were reported dead and 14,643 (99.63%) were discharged after the treatment. Awareness among the general public should be encouraged and early diagnosis and usage of proper snake antivenoms could be life-saving. The delay in appropriate treatment can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.     

Temporal and geographical variations of thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in France during 1986–2015: The impact of overdiagnosis

BackgroundFrance is among the countries showing fastest growth of thyroid cancer (TC) incidence and highest incidence rates in Europe. This study aimed to clarify the temporal and geographical variations of TC in France and to quantify the impact of overdiagnosis.MethodsWe obtained TC incidence data in 1986–2015, and mortality data in 1976–2015, for eight French departments covering 8% of the national population, and calculated the age-standardised rates (ASR). We estimated the average annual percent changes (AAPC) of TC incidence, overall and by department and histological subtype. Numbers and proportions of TC cases attributable to overdiagnosis were estimated by department and period, based on the comparison between the shape of the age-specific curves with that observed prior to changes in diagnostic practice.ResultsDuring 1986–2015, there were 13,557 TC cases aged 15–84 years. Large variations of TC incidence were observed across departments, with the highest ASR and the fastest increase in Isère. Papillary subtype accounted for 82.8% of the cases, and presented an AAPC of 7.0% and 7.6% in women and men, respectively. Anaplastic TC incidence decreased annually 3.0% in women and 0.8% in men. Mortality rates declined consistently for all departments. The absolute number (and proportion) of TC cases attributable to overdiagnosis grew from 1074 (66%) in 1986–1995 to 3830 (72%) in 2006–2015 in women, and varied substantially across departments.ConclusionsOverdiagnosis plays an important role in the temporal and regional variations of TC incidence in France. Monitoring the time trends and regulating the regional healthcare practice are needed to reduce its impact.     

Cancer mortality 1981–2016 and contribution of specific cancers to current socioeconomic inequalities in all cancer mortality: A population-based study

BackgroundIn many high-income countries cancer mortality rates have declined, however, socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality have widened over time with those in the most deprived areas bearing the greatest burden. Less is known about the contribution of specific cancers to inequalities in total cancer mortality.MethodsUsing high-quality routinely collected population and mortality records we examine long-term trends in cancer mortality rates in Scotland by age group, sex, and area deprivation. We use the decomposed slope and relative indices of inequality to identify the specific cancers that contribute most to absolute and relative inequalities, respectively, in total cancer mortality.ResultsCancer mortality rates fell by 24 % for males and 10 % for females over the last 35 years; declining across all age groups except females aged 75+ where rates rose by 14 %. Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer death. Mortality rates of lung cancer have more than halved for males since 1981, while rates among females have almost doubled over the same period.ConclusionCurrent relative inequalities in total cancer mortality are dominated by inequalities in lung cancer mortality, but with contributions from other cancer sites including liver, and head and neck (males); and breast (females), stomach and cervical (younger females). An understanding of which cancer sites contribute most to inequalities in total cancer mortality is crucial for improving cancer health and care, and for reducing preventable cancer deaths.     

The incidence and survival of acute de novo leukemias in Estonia and in a well-defined region of western Sweden during 1997–2001: A survey of patients aged ≥65 years

Background: In a recently published retrospective population-based study over three 5-year periods (1982–1996) we investigated the outcome for de novo acute leukemia (AL) patients aged ≥65 years at diagnosis in Estonia (a country that had been occupied by the Soviet Union over 5 decades) and in the so-called Western Swedish Health Care Region. The age-standardized yearly incidence rates regarding the total number of de novo AL was 5.3/100 000 inhabitant for Estonia and 8.0 for Sweden, this difference being statistically significant merely as regards acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The relative survival for the total cohort of de novo AL as well as for de novo AML was significantly longer (p < 0.001) for Swedish as compared to Estonian patients. Methods: In view of the miserable outcome for the Estonian patients we decided to prospectively compare the results for incidence and outcome of de novo AL between the two countries. Results: The present report covers the first 5-year period comprising 1997–2001 and deals only with patients aged ≥65 years at diagnosis. The age-adjusted annual incidence rates for de novo AML were lower in Estonia (6.4/100 000) than in Sweden (9.2/100 000) but not significantly so. The present results also show that the outcome for the Estonian AML patients had improved considerably over the study period; thus, at no time point, i.e., at 1, 3 and 5 years did relative survival between the two countries differ significantly. Conclusion: Yet, as compared to the Swedish cohort relative survival for the Estonian patients did still not reach an acceptable level.     

Trends in colorectal cancer incidence in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam (1996–2015): Joinpoint regression and age–period–cohort analyses

BackgroundLittle is known about the trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) in Vietnam. We aimed to investigate the trends in epidemiology and anatomical subsites of CRC in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.MethodsBased on the Ho Chi Minh City Cancer Registry data during 1996–2015, we calculated the average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of the age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) by sex, age groups, and anatomical subsites, using joinpoint regressions analysis. We further performed age–period–cohort (APC) analysis using the United States National Cancer Institute’s web-based statistical tool to explore the underlying reason for the incidence trend.ResultsOver 20 years the overall ASR of CRC increased from 10.5 to 17.9 per 100,000, a 1.7-fold increase. CRC incidence elevated more rapidly in men (AAPC 4.7, 95%CI 2.2–7.3) than in women (AAPC 2.6, 95%CI 0.6–4.8). The highest and lowest increasing rates of ASRs were observed in the 50–64-year-old age group (AAPC 5.3, 95%CI 2.8–7.9) and < 50-year-old age group (AAPC 1.1, 95%CI –0.7 to 2.9), respectively. Regarding subsites, rectal cancer had the highest rate of increase (AAPC 3.3, 95%CI 1.0–5.7). Furthermore, the APC analysis indicated significant increases in CRC incidence in birth cohorts after 1975 in both genders.ConclusionsThe CRC incidence in Ho Chi Minh City increased, with the more prominent rates being among men and older populations, in rectal subsites, and in people born after 1975. The upward trend of CRC incidence in Ho Chi Minh City may be due to the adoption of a westernized lifestyle.