Research progress of drug eluting balloon in arterial circulatory system.

The arterial circulatory system diseases are common in clinical practice, and their treatment options have been of great interest due to their high morbidity and mortality. Drug-eluting balloons, as a new type of endovascular interventional treatment option, can avoid the long-term implantation of metal stents and is a new type of angioplasty without stents, so drug-eluting balloons have better therapeutic effects in some arterial circulatory diseases and have been initially used in clinical practice. In this review, we first describe the development, process, and mechanism of drug-eluting balloons. Then we summarize the current studies on the application of drug-eluting balloons in coronary artery lesions, in-stent restenosis, and peripheral vascular disease. As well as the technical difficulties and complications in the application of drug-eluting balloons and possible management options, in order to provide ideas and help for future in-depth studies and provide new strategies for the treatment of more arterial system diseases.

[Ways for reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases: A review].

Ways for reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases The article analyzes the possible ways to further reduce cardiovascular disease mortality in the Russian Federation by eliminating shortcomings and pitfalls, introducing known but not used opportunities, and new organizational and medical technologies based on the accumulated experience of "best practice".

[The regional monitoring of territorial differences in population morbidity of circulatory system diseases].

The actual problem of health care in many regions of Russia are cardiovascular diseases. The valuation and monitoring study of prevalence of this class of diseases was implemented in the Kamchatka Kray. The study was based on official statistic data of general morbidity of adult and children population with circulatory system diseases in 2010-2021. The application of GIS-technologies permitted to implement territorially differentiated evaluation and monitoring of prevalence of circulatory system diseases. The increase of indicators and percentage of circulatory system diseases in the structure of general morbidity of adults was established. The children population of the region is characterized by decreasing of indicators of morbidity of cardio-vascular diseases. The space-time discontinuity of prevalence of these diseases in territories of the Kamchatka Kray. The study results were visualized in series of cartograms. The situation with cardio-vascular morbidity in the Kamchatka Kray has territorial differences: increased level of morbidity in central and distant regions and decreased one south regions. The obtained information can be applied in implementation of regional project of struggle with cardio-vascular diseases.

The Medical Burden of Obesity and Overweight in the US Military: Association of BMI with Clinically Diagnosed Medical Conditions in United States Military Service Members.

BACKGROUND: A high BMI is associated with various medical conditions, notably type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. In the US military, BMI increased linearly between 1975 and 2015. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between BMI and a comprehensive range of clinically diagnosed medical conditions (CDMCs) in US military service members (SMs). METHODS: A stratified random sample of SMs (n=26,177) completed an online questionnaire reporting their height, weight, and demographic/lifestyle characteristics. Medical conditions for 6 mo before questionnaire completion were obtained from a comprehensive military electronic medical surveillance system and grouped into 39 CDMCs covering both broad (largely systemic) and specific medical conditions. BMI was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). The prevalence of CDMCs was compared among normal weight (<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2) SMs. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustment for demographic/lifestyle characteristics, higher BMI was associated with higher odds of a diagnosed medical condition in 30 of 39 CDMCs, with all 30 displaying dose-response relationships. The 5 major CDMCs with the largest odds ratios comparing obese to normal weight were endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (OR=2.67, 95%CI=2.24-3.15), nervous system diseases (odds ratio [OR]=2.59, 95%CI=2.32-2.90), circulatory system diseases (OR=2.56, 95%CI=2.15-3.06), musculoskeletal system diseases (OR=1.92, 95%CI=1.76-2.09), and mental/behavioral disorders (OR=1.69, 95%CI=1.51-1.90). Compared with normal weight SMs, overweight or obese SMs had a higher number of CDMCs (1.8±1.9 vs. 2.0±2.0 and 2.5±2.3, mean ± standard deviation, respectively, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In a young, physically active population, higher BMI was associated with a host of medical conditions, even after adjustment for demographic/lifestyle characteristics. The US Department of Defense should improve nutrition education and modify other factors that contribute to overweight and obesity. This study demonstrates that the medical burden of obesity is substantial in overweight and obese SMs.

Large sex differences in vulnerability to circulatory-system disease under current and future climate in Bucharest and its rural surroundings.

Circulatory-system diseases (CSDs) are responsible for 50-60% of all deaths in Romania. Due to its continental climate, with cold winters and very warm summers, there is a strong temperature dependence of the CSD mortality. Additionally, within its capital Bucharest, the urban heat island (UHI) is expected to enhance (reduce) heat (cold)-related mortality. Using distributed lag non-linear models, we establish the relation between temperature and CSD mortality in Bucharest and its surroundings. A striking finding is the strong temperature-related response to high urban temperatures of women in comparison with men from the total CSDs mortality. In the present climate, estimates of the CSDs attributable fraction (AF) of mortality at high temperatures is about 66% higher in Bucharest than in its rural surroundings for men, while it is about 100% times higher for women. Additionally, the AF in urban areas is also significantly higher for elderly people, and for those with hypertensive and cerebrovascular diseases than in the rural surroundings. On the other hand, in rural areas, men but especially women are currently more vulnerable with respect to low temperatures than in the urban environment. In order to project future thermal-related mortality, we have used five bias-corrected climate projections from regional circulation models under two climate-change scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Analysis of the temperature-mortality associations for future climate reveals the strongest signal under the scenario RCP8.5 for women, elderly people as well as for groups with hypertensive and cerebrovascular diseases. The net AF increase is much larger in urban agglomeration for women (8.2 times higher than in rural surroundings) and elderly people (8.5 times higher than in rural surroundings). However, our estimates of thermal attributable mortality are most likely underestimated due to the poor representation of UHI and future demography.

The Relationship between All-Cause Natural Mortality and Copy Number of Mitochondrial DNA in a 15-Year Follow-Up Study.

We explored the relationship between the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA-CN) and all-cause natural mortality. We examined a random population sample in 2003/2005 (n = 9360, men/women, 45-69, the HAPIEE project) and followed up for 15 years. Using a nested case-control design, we selected non-external deaths among those free from baseline cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer (n = 371), and a sex- and age-stratified control (n = 785). The odds ratios (ORs) of death were 1.06 (95%CI 1.01-1.11) per one-decile decrease in mtDNA-CN independent of age, sex, metabolic factors, smoking, alcohol intake and education. The age-sex-adjusted ORs of death in the second and first tertiles of mtDNA-CN vs. the top tertile were 2.35 (95% CI 1.70-3.26) and 1.59 (1.16-2.17); an increased risk was confined to the second tertile after controlling for smoking and metabolic factors. The multivariable-adjusted OR of CVD death was 1.92 (95% CI 1.18-3.15) in tertile 2 vs. the top tertile of mtDNA-CN, and for cancer-related death the ORs were 3.66 (95% CI 2.21-6.05) and 2.29 (95% CI 1.43-3.68) in tertiles 2 and 1 vs. the top tertile. In the Siberian population cohort, the mtDNA-CN was an inverse predictor of the 15-year risk of natural mortality, due to the greatest impact of CVD and cancer-related death. The findings merit attention for exploring further the role of mtDNA in human ageing and the diversity of mortality.

Associations between short-term PM2.5 exposure and daily hospital admissions for circulatory system diseases in Ganzhou, China: A time series study.

Objective: Previous epidemiological studies have shown that both long-term and short-term exposure to fine particulate matters (PM2.5) were associated with the morbidity and mortality of circulatory system diseases (CSD). However, the impact of PM2.5 on CSD remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the associations between PM2.5 and circulatory system diseases in Ganzhou. Methods: We conducted this time series study to explore the association between ambient PM2.5 exposure and daily hospital admissions for CSD from 2016 to 2020 in Ganzhou by using generalized additive models (GAMs). Stratified analyses were also performed by gender, age, and season. Results: Based on 201,799 hospitalized cases, significant and positive associations were found between short-term PM2.5 exposure and hospital admissions for CSD, including total CSD, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CEVD), heart failure (HF), and arrhythmia. Each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentrations was associated with a 2.588% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.161%-4.035%), 2.773% (95% CI, 1.246%-4.324%), 2.865% (95% CI, 0.786%-4.893%), 1.691% (95% CI, 0.239%-3.165%), 4.173% (95% CI, 1.988%-6.404%) and 1.496% (95% CI, 0.030%-2.983%) increment in hospitalizations for total CSD, hypertension, CHD, CEVD, HF, and arrhythmia, respectively. As PM2.5 concentrations rise, the hospitalizations for arrhythmia showed a slow upward trend, while other CSD increased sharply at high PM2.5 levels. In subgroup analyses, the impacts of PM2.5 on hospitalizations for CSD were not materially changed, although the females had higher risks of hypertension, HF, and arrhythmia. The relationships between PM2.5 exposure and hospitalizations for CSD were more significant among individuals aged ≤65 years, except for arrhythmia. PM2.5 had stronger effects on total CSD, hypertension, CEVD, HF, and arrhythmia during cold seasons. Conclusion: PM2.5 exposure was positively associated with daily hospital admissions for CSD, which might provide informative insight on adverse effects of PM2.5.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Cardiovascular Diseases: Lessons and Prospects.

This article is focused on the topicality of assessing complications and mortality from diseases of the circulatory system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main variants of damage to the cardiovascular system, the mechanisms of their development, and risk factors are given. The long-term consequences of the new coronavirus infection for the heart and blood vessels are considered. In addition, the necessary measures to reduce the burden of disease after the pandemic are discussed.

Mortality risk for individuals with cannabis use disorders in relation to alcohol use disorders: Results of a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on mortality on individuals entering treatment for cannabis use disorders. OBJECTIVES: To estimate mortality risk for individuals treated for cannabis use disorders comparing patients with concomitant alcohol use disorders to those with only cannabis use disorders. METHODS: Follow-up study on 1136 residents in Northern Italy who turned to health services following problems caused by cannabis use disorders between 2009 and 2019. Individuals with concomitant use of opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, or injecting drugs were excluded. Crude mortality rates per 1000 Person Years (CMR), and standardized mortality ratios adjusted for age, sex and calendar year (SMR) were calculated. RESULTS: Elevated CMRs (CMR 4.4, 3-6.4), higher among patients with concomitant alcohol use disorders (CMR 10.2, 6.6-15.6) compared to those with only cannabis use disorders (CMR 1.8, 0.9-3.6) were found. Regarding excess mortality with respect to the general population, SMRs were higher and statistically significant (SMR 5.4, 3.7-7.8), both among patients with concomitant alcohol use disorders (SMR 10.2, 6.6-15.6) and among those with only cannabis use disorders (SMR 2.3, 1.1-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that individuals with only cannabis use disorders have a lower mortality risk compared to those with both cannabis and alcohol use disorders.

Predictive value of three thermal comfort indices in low temperatures on cardiovascular morbidity in the Iberian peninsula.

The natural environment has been considered an important determinant of cardiovascular morbidity. This work seeks to assess the impact of the winter thermal environment on hospital admissions from diseases of the circulatory system by using three biometeorological indices in five regions of the Iberian Peninsula. A theoretical index based on a thermophysiological model (Universal Thermal Climate Index [UTCI]) and two experimental biometeorological ones (Net Effective Temperature [NET] and Apparent Temperature [AT]) were estimated in two metropolitan areas of Portugal (Porto and Lisbon) and in three provinces of Spain (Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia). Subsequently, their relationship with hospital admissions, adjusted by NO2 concentration, time, and day of the week, was analyzed using a Generalized Additive Model. As the estimation method, a semi-parametric quasi-Poisson regression was used. Around 53% of the hospitalizations occurred during the cold periods. The admissions rate followed an upward trend over the 9-year period in both capitals (Madrid and Lisbon) as well as in Barcelona. An inverse and statistically significant relationship was found between thermal comfort and hospital admissions in the five regions (p < 0.001). The highest relative risk (RR) was found after a cumulative 7-day exposure in Lisbon, where there was a 1.4% increase in hospital admissions for each NET and AT degree Celsius, and 1.0% for each UTCI degree Celsius. In conclusion, low air temperatures are a significant risk factor for hospital admissions from diseases of the circulatory system in the Iberian Peninsula, regardless of the index calculated.

Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases Among Residents of a Remote Settlement in the Transbaikal Region of the Russian Federation.

INTRODUCTION: Over a quarter of the population of the Russian Federation resides in rural communities. However, the data on chronic disease rates in these communities are limited, which makes screening for chronic diseases extremely important. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases among residents of a remote settlement in the Transbaikal region, Russian Federation. METHODS: A sample of residents from the Transbaikal region settlement was screened in August 2017. The screening included a survey to determine the frequency of self-reported chronic diseases as well as sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors. Additionally, vascular stiffness was measured by volumetric sphygmography using the VaSera-1500 device. Descriptive statistics have been used for data analysis. RESULTS: 126 residents were screened for this study. The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and their risk factors were: hypertension (56.3%), gastrointestinal diseases (33.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13.5%), smoking (35.7%), obesity (19.1%), and diabetes mellitus (6.3%). Pathological vascular changes typical of atherosclerosis were found by volumetric sphygmography in 17.5% of cases, with 5.5% of those cases corresponding to significant forms of severe peripheral atherosclerosis (ABI<0.9). An analysis of mortality causes for this settlement for 2016-2017 found that cardiovascular diseases accounted for over 50% of the total number of deaths. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of detectable chronic non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors. Cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of mortality. Active prevention programs and screenings are required to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in this region.

Distribution of the Indicator of the Appropriate Admission of Patients with Circulatory System Diseases to County Hospitals in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The inappropriate admission of patients with circulatory system diseases (CSDs) have contributed to the rapid increase in hospitalisation rates in China. The purpose of this study is to identify the key indicators of appropriate admission and their distribution by analysing CSD cases. Methods: A total of 794 records of inpatient CSD cases were collected from county hospitals in five counties in midwestern rural China through stratified random sampling and evaluated by using the Rural Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (RAEP). RAEP has two parts: Indicator A, which represents requirement for services, and Indicator B, which represents diseases severity. Indicator distribution was analysed through frequency analysis. A three-level logistic regression model was used to examine the sociodemographic determinants of the positive indicators of appropriate CDSs admissions. Result: The inappropriate admission rate of CSDs was 33.4% and varied between counties. A2 (Varying dosage/drug under supervision, 58.22%), A8 (Stopping/continuing oxygen inhalation, 38.19%), A7 (Electrocardiogram per 2 hours, 34.22%), A3 (Calculation of intake and output volume, 31.19%) and B14 (Abnormal blood condition, 27.98%) were the top five positive indicators of CSDs. Indicator A (requirements for services) was more active than Indicator B (disease severity). The limitation of the role of Indicator B over time may be attributed to the different policies and environments of rural China and stimulated the increase in inappropriate admission rates. The results of three-level logistic regression suggested that the influence of gender, year, region and disease type on positive indicators should receive increased attention in the evaluation of CSDs admissions. Conclusion: This study found that A2, A8, A7, A3 and B14 were the key indicators and were helpful to determine the appropriate admission of CSDs in rural China. Managers may focus on these indicators, particularly the use of indicator A.

Mortalidad por enfermedades del sistema circulatorio, en los municipios del área metropolitana, Antioquia, 1998-2014 / Mortality due to circulatory system diseases in the municipalities of the metropolitan area of Antioquia, 1998-2014 / Mortandade decorrente das doenças alusivas ao aparelho circulatório, nos municípios da área metropolitana, Antioquia, 1998-2014

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la mortalidad por enfermedades del sistema circulatorio, en los municipios del área metropolitana, Antioquia, entre 1998 y 2014. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los 78 734 registros de defunciones, usando proyecciones poblacionales del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadísticas. Se calcularon las tasas según variables como edad, sexo, municipio y las principales enfermedades del sistema. Se compararon dos periodos de tiempo, donde se seleccionan los primeros y los últimos cuatro años de estudio. Resultados: La mortalidad fue mayor en el área metropolitana en relación con el departamento de Antioquia en el periodo estudiado; las enfermedades isquémicas del corazón presentan las tasas y defunciones más altas en relación con las demás causas de defunciones, seguida de las cerebrovasculares e hipertensivas. Los grupos de mayor edad (65 años y más) fueron los que presentaron el mayor riesgo de morir por estas causas. Con relación a la tendencia por sexo, la población masculina tuvo un riesgo mayor que la femenina en un 7 %. Los municipios de Bello y Barbosa presentaron las tasas ajustadas más altas para todo el periodo de estudio; la tasa más baja la expresó el municipio de Envigado. Conclusiones: El 26,6 % de la mortalidad se debe a esta causa. Los grupos identificados con mayor riesgo de muerte por ella deberían recibir prioritariamente las medidas de prevención, diagnóstico y manejo por parte de las instituciones encargadas de su salud.

Abstract Objective: To describe the mortality due to circulatory system diseases in the municipalities of the metropolitan area of Antioquia between 1998 and 2014. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on 78 734 death records using population projections from the National Administrative Department of Statistics. Rates were calculated based on variables such as age, sex, municipality and the system's main diseases. Two time periods were compared; in these, the first and last four years of study were selected. Results: Mortality was higher in the metropolitan area when compared with the department of Antioquia during the studied time period. Ischemic heart conditions had the highest rates and amount of deaths in relation to the other causes of death. As for cerebrovascular and hypertensive conditions, these occupied the second place. The oldest groups (aged 65 and beyond) had the highest risk of dying from these causes. As for the tendency by sex, the risk was 7% higher for the male population than for the females. The Bello and Barbosa municipalities had the highest adjusted rates during the entirety of the studied period. The lowest rate was observed for the Envigado municipality. Conclusions: This is the cause of 26.6% of the mortality. The groups identified as having a higher risk of death from this condition should receive priority prevention, diagnosis and management measures from the institutions in charge of their health.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a mortandade decorrentes das doenças no aparelho circulatório, nos municípios da área metropolitana, Antioquia, entre 1998 e 2014. Metodologia: Se realizou um estudo descritivo recuando a rever dos 78 734 cadastros de óbitos, nós virando utentes da metodologia de projeções populacionais do Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estatísticas. Se mensuraram os índices segundo as variáveis como a etária, gênero, município e as principais doenças do sistema. Se fiz um versus dos períodos de tempo, onde se escolhem os primeiros e os finais quatro anos de estudo. Resultantes: A mortandade foi maioritária na área metropolitana num versus na frente da cifra do departamento de Antioquia no lapsus de tempo estudado; as doenças isquêmicas do coração apresentam os índices e óbitos maioritários num versus na frente das outras causais de falecimentos, continuada pelas cerebrovasculares e hipertensão. Os grupos de mais avançada idade (65 anos ou mais) foram os que apresentaram o mais grande risco de morrer por meio destas causais. Com relação a propensão pelo gênero, a comunidade masculina teve um risco mais predominante do que a feminina num 7 %. Os municípios de Bello e Barbosa apresentaram as taxas ajustadas mais altas para todo o lapsus estudado; o índice mais baixo o amostrou o município de Envigado. Conclusões: O 26,6 % da mortandade se deve a esta causal. Os grupos identificados com pior risco de morte por ela deveriam receber prioritariamente as medidas de prevenção, diagnoses e manejo por parte das instituições encarregadas da sua saúde.

Epidemiology of diseases of the circulatory system among the population of Poltava region.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: In Ukraine more than half of deaths have been caused by cardio-vascular diseases (CVD). Among the able-bodied population, the share of CVD in the structure of causes of mortality is 29,9%. In the structure of causes of mortality among the persons of retirement age, CVDs accounted for 75,9% and exceeded the proportion of neoplasms in 6,5 times. The aim is to analyze of morbidity and mortality rates of diseases of the CVD among the population of Ukraine and Poltava region, to conduct a comparative analysis of data to identify possible ways to improve the situation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A retrospective study of morbidity and mortality rates by age, gender and cause (2014-2018) was conducted and the statistical method was used to analyze dynamic (time) series. RESULTS: Review: An analysis of the dynamics of population mortality indicates significant fluctuations in it`s levels over ten years. At the same time, by the method of alignment of the dynamic series, a tendency to a slight decrease in the mortality rate of the population from 17,1‰ to 16,9 ‰ was established. The mortality of the population of Ukraine in 2018 from diseases of the circulatory system was 1000,8 per 100 thousand people. Data on mortality rate in the Poltava region significantly higher than those in Ukraine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The age structure of the population of Poltava region belongs to the regressive type. The mortality rate among the population of Poltava region is slightly decreasing but remains at a very high level (16,9 ‰). In the structure of causes of death, diseases of the circulatory system are at the first place (70,8%), the second place belongs to neoplasm (13,5%), and third are the external causes of death (4,8%).

Excess mortality related to circulatory system diseases and diabetes mellitus among Italian AIDS patients vs. non-AIDS population: a population-based cohort study using the multiple causes-of-death approach.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases, chiefly cancers and circulatory system diseases (CSDs), have become the leading non-AIDS-related causes of death among HIV-infected people, as in the general population. After our previous report of an excess mortality for several non-AIDS-defining cancers, we now aim to assess whether people with AIDS (PWA) experience also an increased mortality for CSDs and diabetes mellitus (DM), as compared to the non-AIDS general population (non-PWA). METHODS: A nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted including 5285 Italians, aged 15-74 years, who were diagnosed with AIDS between 2006 and 2011. Multiple cause-of-death (MCoD) data, i.e. all conditions reported in death certificates, were retrieved through record-linkage with the National Register of Causes of Death up to 2011. Using MCoD data, sex- and age-standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by dividing the observed number of PWA reporting a specific disease among MCoD to the expected number, estimated on the basis of mortality rates (based on MCoD) of non-PWA. RESULTS: Among 1229 deceased PWA, CSDs were mentioned in 201 (16.4%) certificates and DM in 46 (3.7%) certificates among the various causes of death. These values corresponded to a 13-fold higher mortality related to CSDs (95% CI 10.8-14.4) and DM (95% CI: 9.5-17.4) as compared to 952,019 deceased non-PWA. Among CSDs, statistically significant excess mortality emerged for hypertension (23 deaths, SMR = 6.3, 95% CI: 4.0-9.4), ischemic heart diseases (39 deaths, SMR = 6.1, 95% CI: 4.4-8.4), other forms of heart diseases (88 deaths, SMR = 13.4, 95% CI: 10.8-16.5), and cerebrovascular diseases (42 deaths, SMR = 13.4, 95% CI: 9.7-18.2). The SMRs were particularly elevated among PWA aged < 50 years and those infected through drug injection. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MCoD data disclosed the fairly high mortality excess related to several CSDs and DM among Italian PWA as compared to non-PWA. Study findings also indicate to start preventive strategies for such diseases at a younger age among AIDS patients than in the general population and with focus on drug users.

[Disability of elderly people due to hypertensive disease in the Russian Federation.]

The article presents the results of the analysis of the epidemiology of primary disability of the adult population in the Russian Federation for 12 years (2005-2016). During this period, 6.6 million elderly people (56,8% of the total number of people with disabilities) were recognized as invalids. The leading cause of disability in the structure of primary disability among elderly people is 68,5%. HD retains leading positions as the most important factor of disability of the population. Negative tendencies of primary disability due to this socially significant pathology are associated with the demographic situation of population aging. In the contingent of people with disabilities due to hypertension, the proportion of elderly disabled is 43,4%, while the proportion of disabled people of middle and young age is less - 29,1 and 27,4%, respectively. Medical institutions should be prepared to work with a growing contingent of the elderly population, to increase the availability and quality of medical care for patients and people with disabilities due to HD, one of the most common and prognostically unfavorable pathologies that impose a limitation on vital activity.

The Impact of Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Changes on Mortality from Diseases of the Circulatory System.

We investigate the impact of solar activity changes on mortality from cardiovascular causes of death in the period 1994-2011 in the Czech Republic. This period coincides with the time of solar cycle no. 23 and the surrounding minima when there was an unusually low level of solar activity. We use long-period daily time series of numbers of deaths by cause, solar activity indices (the relative sunspot number, and the intensity of solar radio flux), geomagnetic indices (Kp-the planetary index that indicates the fluctuation rate of horizontal components of the geomagnetic field, the Auroral Electrojet, and the disturbance storm time), and physical parameters describing the ionospheric effects (the critical frequency of the ionospheric F2 layer and the content of free electrons in the ionosphere). The results of the analysis confirm the hypothesis that there is no direct correlation between the geomagnetic solar index, Kp, and the number of deaths from acute myocardial infarction (code I21) or brain stroke (code I64) during the maxima of the solar cycle. On the other hand, the ionospheric parameters explain a greater part of the variability in the number of deaths for acute myocardial infarction or brain stroke than the model with solar parameters. The analysis shows that, because the values are geographically specific, the ionospheric parameters may describe the variability in the number of deaths from cardiovascular causes better than the solar indices. The cardiovascular diseases thus respond to the changes in the solar activity and to abnormal solar events indirectly through a concentration of electrical charges in the earth's environment.

The influence of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation index on hospital admissions through diseases of the circulatory system in Lisbon, Portugal.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), meteorological variables, air pollutants, and hospital admissions due to diseases of circulatory systems in Lisbon (Portugal) during winter months (2003-2012). This paper is one of the few studies analyzing the impact of NAO on health through its influence on thermal stress and air pollution and is the first to be conducted in Lisbon. This study uses meteorological data (synthetized into a thermal comfort index), air pollutant metrics, and the NAO index (all clustered in 10-day cycles to overcome daily variability of the NAO index). The relationship between morbidity, thermal comfort index, NAO index, and air pollutants was explored through several linear models adjusted to seasonality through a periodic function. The possible indirect effect between the NAO index and hospital admissions was tested, assuming that NAO (independent variable) is affecting hospital admissions (outcome variable) through thermal discomfort and/or pollution levels (tested as individual mediators). This test was conducted through causal mediation analysis and adjusted for seasonal variation. The results from this study suggest a possible indirect relationship between NAO index and hospital admissions. Although NAO is not significantly associated with hospital admissions, it is significantly associated with CO, PM2.5, NO, and SO2 levels, which in turn increase the probability of hospitalization. The discomfort index (built with temperature and relative humidity) is significantly associated with hospital admissions, but its variability is not explained by the NAO index. This study highlights the impacts of the atmospheric circulation patterns on health. Furthermore, understanding the influence of the atmospheric circulation patterns can support the improvement of the existing contingency plans.

Work history and mortality risks in 90,268 US radiological technologists.

OBJECTIVES: There have been few studies of work history and mortality risks in medical radiation workers. We expanded by 11 years and more outcomes our previous study of mortality risks and work history, a proxy for radiation exposure. METHODS: Using Cox proportional hazards models, we estimated mortality risks according to questionnaire work history responses from 1983 to 1989 through 2008 by 90,268 US radiological technologists. We controlled for potential confounding by age, birth year, smoking history, body mass index, race and gender. RESULTS: There were 9566 deaths (3329 cancer and 3020 circulatory system diseases). Mortality risks increased significantly with earlier year began working for female breast (p trend=0.01) and stomach cancers (p trend=0.01), ischaemic heart (p trend=0.03) and cerebrovascular diseases (p trend=0.02). The significant trend with earlier year first worked was strongly apparent for breast cancer during baseline through 1997, but not 1998-2008. Risks were similar in the two periods for circulatory diseases. Radiological technologists working ≥5 years before 1950 had elevated mortality from breast cancer (HR=2.05, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.32), leukaemia (HR=2.57, 95% CI 0.96 to 6.68), ischaemic heart disease (HR=1.13, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.33) and cerebrovascular disease (HR=1.28, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.69). No other work history factors were consistently associated with mortality risks from specific cancers or circulatory diseases, or other conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological technologists who began working in early periods and for more years before 1950 had increased mortality from a few cancers and some circulatory system diseases, likely reflecting higher occupational radiation exposures in the earlier years.

A Study on the Association between Ambient Daily Average Temperature and Daily Mortality of Circulatory System Diseases in Shenyang City,1992-2000 / 中国慢性病预防与控制

Objective To assess the association between air pollution and daily mortality of circulatory system diseases.Methods All death records of the deceased who lived in urban area of Shenyang and died from circulatory system disease during Jan 1,1992 to Dec 31,2000 were collected.We used the semi-parametric generalized additive model to study the relationship between short-term daily average temperature and daily mortality of circulatory system diseases after controlling the confounding factors of long-term trends,humidity,air pressure,work days and season,etc.Results The optimal temperature for all people was 23.4℃.And it was 23.6℃ for male and 23.2℃ for female.A significant graphically 'V' shape relationship between mortality caused by circulatory diseases and ambient temperature was found.The relationship between the temperature changes and the mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases was significant,but not significant with cerebrovascular diseases.The mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases increased 0.0275/100 000 while the temperature increasing each 1℃ above 23.4℃,and increased 0.0062/100 000 while temperature decreasing each 1℃ below 23.4℃.People over 65 years old were the most sensitive population for temperature changing,their mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases increased 1.1909/100 000 when the temperature increasing each 1℃ from 26.6℃.But people under 65 years old were not sensitive to temperature changing,their mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases was all less than 0.0011/100 000 no matter the temperature was higher or lower 1℃ from the optimal temperature.There was no significant difference of the effect of temperature changing on mortality caused by cardiovascular between male and female.Conclusion The "V" shape relationship between mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases and ambient temperature clues us on that temperature left from the optimal temperature could increase the death rate caused by cardiovascular diseases and temperature closed to the optimal temperature could decrease the death rate caused by cardiovascular diseases.