A Joinpoint Regression Analysis of Syphilis and Gonorrhea Incidence in 15-19-Year Old Adolescents between 2005 and 2017: A Regional Study.

Background and Objectives: Surveillance of syphilis and gonorrhea in Romania is case-based and makes use of European case definitions. Adolescence is a period characterized by vulnerabilities and opportunities, a period when health decisions, including those related to sexually transmitted infections, may have a lifetime impact. The present study investigates the trends recorded in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in 15-19 year-old adolescents in the central and northwestern regions of Romania. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted and this included surveillance data for syphilis and gonorrhea in the period 2005-2017 (n = 939). The distribution of demographic and epidemiological variables in adolescents with syphilis and gonorrhea was evaluated, as well as the tendency of the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in the studied population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to characterize the incidence trend for syphilis and gonorrhea. Results: Between 2005 and 2017, 773 cases of syphilis and 166 cases of gonorrhea were reported. The incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea decreased. Most cases of syphilis have been found out by active detection. Most cases of gonorrhea have been found out by passive detection. The age distribution in the group diagnosed with syphilis was similar to that in the group diagnosed with gonorrhea. There was a higher frequency of syphilis in females and gonorrhea was more common in males. Syphilis was more common in rural areas. Gonorrhea was more common in urban areas. Conclusions: There was a decreasing tendency in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in adolescents aged 15-19 during the studied period.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer: an epidemiologic descriptive study of a series of 333 patients.

AIM: The purpose of the research was to evaluate several risk factors for colonic neoplasia and to institute a specialized colorectal cancer (CRC) registry in the 3rd Medical and Surgical Clinics Cluj-Napoca. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 333 patients,155 women, mean age 61.32 +/- 12.42 years and 178 men, mean age 64.31 +/- 10.39 years, admitted to the 3rd Medical Clinic and 3rd Surgical Clinic Cluj-Napoca and diagnosed with CRC between January 2001 - September 2003. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical, endoscopical and histopathological findings. Age, geographical patterns, tumor location, family history, personal history and several lifestyle factors: dietary habits (intake of fat and red meat), long term smoking (more than 20 years), heavy alcohol consumption were analyzed. Evaluation was made using family history and epidemiologic lifestyle questionnaires. RESULTS: CRC occurred more frequently in the 7th decade. There was a strong correlation between age and CRC development. In the 5th decade, females developed CRC more frequently than males. The median age for developing right-sided tumors was significantly higher in males. Patients living in an urban area were dominant (69%). Family history was present in 1/3 of females and 1/4 of males. Personal history of colon polyps was more common in men, particularly among smokers for more than 20 years and among those with an excessive intake of fat. The cholecystectomized women had an increased frequency of sigmoidian tumors. All the patient's information was included in a specialized colon cancer registry. CONCLUSION: High fat intake and cigarette smoking favour colon polyp development. CRC development and location of the tumor are associated with an older age (in men) and personal history of cholecystectomy (in women). Inheritance was significant in our study group.