Demographic Study of Hip Fractures in the Maltese Islands.

INTRODUCTION: Despite hip fractures being a great public health burden, only few studies have analyzed the relationship between hip fracture incidence and socioeconomic status. Many studies found an association; however, results are in part conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of regional-level socioeconomic status on the incidence of hip fractures in the Maltese Islands. METHOD: All individuals older than 50 years who presented to the acute care hospitals in Malta and Gozo with low-energy hip fractures between December 1, 2015, and November 30, 2016, were selected. Data on individual demographics, hip fracture type, surgical intervention, and hospital stay were collected. The percentage of hip fracture and socioeconomic status of each region in the Maltese Islands were calculated. These were then analyzed for any statistical association. RESULTS: A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.5987, N = 454, P < .05) was found between the socioeconomic status and the incidence of hip fracture in each region. There was 5.9% (n = 27) mortality rate posed by these hip fractures. The average duration of hospital stay was 14 days, with an average delay to surgical intervention of 2 days. CONCLUSION: Despite the Maltese Islands having a small population (429 344 people) and a free universal national health service, our results show that districts with low socioeconomic status had a higher incidence of hip fracture. Further studies using individual socioeconomic data and longer duration are required.

Caracterização do gênero, da raça e da idade de uma população de 7. 780 cães da Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul submetidos à necropsia ao longo de cinco décadas (1964-2013) / Characterization of gender, breed and age in a population of 7. 780 dogs submitted for necropsy over five decades (1964-2013) in central Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Devido à ausência de um banco de dados demográficos da população canina que habita a Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e à necessidade em se estabelecer uma "população controle" para a melhor interpretação da prevalência das doenças diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV-UFSM) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), este estudo objetivou realizar uma análise das características relacionadas à raça, ao gênero e à idade dos cães necropsiados neste serviço de diagnóstico ao longo de 50 anos (1964-2013). Para isto, os laudos de necropsias de cães, realizadas entre 1964 e 2013, foram revisados, e deles foram retiradas informações referentes ao gênero, à idade e às raças de todos os cães oriundos dos municípios que compõem a Região Central do RS. Ao todo, 7.780 cães foram necropsiados; desses, 469 (6%) na primeira década (1964-1973), 1.133 (14,6%) na segunda década (1974-1983), 1.334 (17,1%) na terceira década (1984-1993), 1.705 (22%) na quarta década (1994-2003) e 3.139 (40,3%) na quinta década (2004-2013). Do total de cães com gênero informado nos laudos, 52,6% eram machos e 47,4% eram fêmeas. A mediana da idade de morte foi de três anos. Dos cães cuja raça foi informada nos laudos, 59,8% eram de raça definida (RD) e 40,2% não tinham raça definida (SRD). As raças de porte grande ou gigante mais frequentes foram: Pastor Alemão (17,2%), Boxer (6,9%), Rottweiler (5,3%), Fila Brasileiro (4,6%), Pointer Inglês (3,9%), Collie Pelo Longo (3,7%) Dobermann (3,7%) e Labrador Retriever (2,1%). As raças de porte pequeno ou médio mais frequentes foram: Poodle (8,9%), Dachshund (6,3%), Pinscher Miniatura (5,6%), Cocker Spaniel Inglês (4,5%), Pequinês (3,4%), Yorkshire Terrier (3,3%) e Terrier Brasileiro (2,8%). Houve um aumento na proporção de fêmeas e um crescimento na mediana referente à idade de morte ao longo das cinco décadas avaliadas. Apesar de não ter havido um aumento relevante na proporção de cães de RD em comparação com os SRD, observaram-se algumas mudanças na ocorrência de diferentes raças ao longo do tempo, incluindo principalmente uma dramática diminuição na percentagem de Pequinês, Terrier Brasileiro, Pointer Inglês e Pastor Alemão, e um aumento marcado na percentagem de Poodle, Dachshund, Rottweiler e Labrador Retriever. Os resultados aqui apresentados servirão como um subsídio comparativo para futuros estudos retrospectivos sobre prevalência de doenças em cães da Região Central do RS, auxiliando para uma mais correta compreensão e interpretação dos resultados encontrados nesses levantamentos de dados.(AU)

Based on the lack of demographic database on the canine population living in the midland region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and on the need for a "control population" in the accomplishment of several prevalence-based studies of different diseases diagnosed at the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), the objective of this study was to describe the breed, gender and age characteristics of the population of dogs necropsied in this diagnostic service over 50 years (1964-2013). The protocols of necropsies performed on dogs and recorded in the LPV-UFSM between 1964 and 2013 were reviewed, and information related to gender, age and breed from dogs from all the districts within the Central Region of RS were separated. A total of 7,780 dogs were necropsied, among which 469 (6%) were registered in the first decade (1964-1973), 1,133 (14.6%) in the second decade (1974-1983), 1,334 (17.1%) in the third decade (1984-1993), 1,705 (22%) in the fourth decade (1994-2003) and 3,139 (40.3%) in the fifth decade (2004-2013). Of dogs whose gender was reported in the protocols, 52.6% were males and 47.4% were females. The median age of death was 3 years. Of dogs whose breed was reported in the protocols, 59.8% were purebred and 40.2% were mixed breed. The most common large and giant breed dogs were German Shepherd Dog (17.2%), Boxer (6.9%), Rottweiler (5.3%), Fila Brasileiro (4.6%), English Pointer (3.9%), Collie Rough (3.7%), Dobermann (3.7%), and Labrador Retriever (2.1%). The most common small and medium breed dogs were Poodle (8.9%), Dachshund (6.3%), Miniature Pinscher (5.6%), English Cocker Spaniel (4.5%), Pekingese (3.4%), Yorkshire Terrier (3.3%), and Brazilian Terrier (2.8%). The percentage of females and the median age of death showed an increase during the five decades of this study. Although there has been a significant increase in the proportion of pure breed dogs compared to mongrels, we observed some changes in the occurrence of different breeds over time, including a significant decrease in the frequency of the Pekingese, Brazilian Terrier, English Pointer, and German Shepherd Dog, and significant increase in the frequency of the Poodle, Dachshund, and Labrador Retriever. The results presented here will serve as an allowance for future comparative studies of disease prevalence in dogs of Central Region of RS, helping to a more correct understanding and interpretation of results from these data surveys.(AU)

Socio-demographic Profile and Economic Burden of Treatment of Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE: To compile the socio-demographic profile and estimate the economic burden of transfusion dependent thalassemia. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in north India. Transfusion dependent thalassemia patients on regular blood transfusion for at least a year were selected. Thalassemia diagnosis was based on HPLC and/or mutation analysis results. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected from electronic health records. Information regarding socio-economic profile and costs incurred, including indirect costs were collected by interviewing patients' guardians. The data was analyzed as a whole cohort and also in subgroups based on age. RESULTS: The data of 261 patients with a median age of 127 mo was collected. The median age at diagnosis was 9.8 mo. The total treatment expenses of a patient per year ranged from US$ 629 (INR 41,514) to US$ 2300 (INR 151,800), in the different age groups, at an average of US$ 1135 (INR 74,948). More than half (53%) of this was spent on medications. On an average, 38.8% of the family income was spent on the treatment of a thalassemia patient annually. Only 19 of 262 cases had an average pre-BT Hb ≥ 9 g/dl and serum ferritin ≤1500 ng/dl. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment for transfusion dependent thalassemia is costly and mostly borne by the families in India. This study provides a realistic magnitude of this burden and will be useful in planning a thalassemia management program at the state or national level.

Recruitment and Retention of New Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe factors important for the recruitment and retention of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and EMT-Paramedics new to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field (defined as two years or less of EMS employment) through an analysis of 10 years of Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) data. METHODS: Data were obtained from 10 years of LEADS surveys (1999-2008). Individuals new to the profession were identified through responses to a survey item. Their responses were analyzed using weights reflecting each individual's probability of selection. Means, proportions, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined and used to identify statistically significant differences. RESULTS: There were few changes in the demographic characteristics of new EMT-Basics and Paramedics across survey years. New EMT-Basics tended to be older and less likely to have a college degree than new EMT-Paramedics. More new EMT-Basics than EMT-Paramedics worked in rural areas and small towns and reported that they were working as a volunteer. There were differences between new EMT-Basics and EMT-Paramedics in several of the reasons for entering the profession and in facets of job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide guidance for recruiters, educators, employers, and governmental EMS policy organizations and will provide better insight into how to attract and retain new entrants to the field. Chapman SA , Crowe RP , Bentley MA . Recruitment and retention of new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s70-s86.

The Demographics and Education of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professionals: A National Longitudinal Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess longitudinal and cross-sectional changes in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics: (1) demographics, (2) employment characteristics, and (3) initial Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education. METHODS: These data were collected between 1999 and 2008 employing survey techniques aimed at collecting valid data. A random, stratified sample was utilized to allow results to be generalizable to the nationally certified EMS population. Survey weights that were adjusted for each stratum's response were estimated. Weighted percentages, averages for continuous variables, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Significant changes over time were noted when the CIs did not overlap. RESULTS: In all 10 years of data collection, the proportion of EMT-Paramedics who were male was greater than the proportion of EMT-Basics who were male. A substantial proportion of respondents performed EMS services for more than one agency: between 39.8% and 43.5% of EMT-Paramedics and 18.4% and 22.4% of EMT-Basic respondents reported this. The most common type of employer for both EMT-Basics and EMT-Paramedics was fire-based organizations. About one-third of EMT-Basics (32.3%-40.1%) and almost one-half of EMT-Paramedics (43.1%-45.3%) reported that these organizations were their main EMS employer. Rural areas (<25,000 residents) were the most common practice settings for EMT-Basics (52.1%-63.7%), while more EMT-Paramedics worked in urban settings (65.2%-77.7%). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis serves as a useful baseline to measure future changes in the EMS profession. This study described the demographic and work-life characteristics of a cohort of nationally certified EMT-Basics and Paramedics over a 10-year period. This analysis also summarized initial EMS education changes over time. Bentley MA , Shoben A , Levine R . The demographics and education of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals: a national longitudinal investigation. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s18-s29.

Traumatic amputations in children and adolescents: A demographic study from a tertiary care center in Northern India.

PURPOSE: To determine the demographic pattern, level, mechanism of traumatic amputation in children and adolescent age group and to compare findings with other studies. METHODS: Patients aged less than 18 years with traumatic amputation attending Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India between July 2013 and January 2016 were enrolled and their demographic characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were included aged less than 18 years when injured. Mean age of the population studied was 9.89 ± 4.13 with male to females ratio of 3:2. Majority (69.81%) of traumatic amputations involved lower limb. Most common level was unilateral transtibial (35.85%), followed by transfemoral (16.98%). In upper limb, most common type was transradial. RTA followed by train accidents was most common mechanism of traumatic amputation. 8 patients needed revision surgery. 52.8% patients of acquired amputations complained of phantom sensation and 37.74% phantom pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study aims to visualize the current scenario and the data generated could be possibly helpful in planning policies and programs at institutional as well as at higher levels for prevention, treatment and distribution of resource to the young amputee population, to ensure their better health care and also opportunities in life.

Compensation of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to identify factors associated with compensation for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics and assess whether these associations have changed over the period 1999-2008. METHODS: Data obtained from the Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) surveys, a mail survey of a random, stratified sample of nationally certified EMT-Basics and Paramedics, were analyzed. For the 1999-2003 period, analyses included all respondents providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS). With the addition of a survey in 2004 about volunteers, it was possible to exclude volunteers from these analyses. RESULTS: Over 60% of EMT-Basics reported being either compensated or noncompensated volunteers in the 2004-2008 period. This was substantially and significantly greater than the proportion of EMT-Paramedic volunteers (<25%). The EMT-Paramedics earned significantly more than EMT-Basics, with differentials of $11,000-$18,000 over the course of the study. The major source of earnings disparity was type of organization: respondents employed by fire-based EMS agencies reported significantly higher earnings than other respondents, at both the EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic levels. Males also earned significantly more than females, with annual earnings differentials ranging from $7,000 to $15,000. CONCLUSIONS: There are a number of factors associated with compensation disparities within the EMS profession. These include type of service (ie, fire-based vs. other types of agencies) and gender. The reasons for these disparities warrant further investigation. Studnek JR . Compensation of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s87-s95.

A Longitudinal Description of Emergency Medical Services Professionals by Race/Ethnicity.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to compare demographics, employment variables, satisfaction, and motivation for entering the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) between members of under-represented races/ethnicities and members of the majority group. METHODS: A cohort of nationally certified EMS professionals was followed for 10 years through annual surveys; however, race/ethnicity was only available for 9 years (2000-2008). Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and significance was determined by lack of CI overlap. RESULTS: From 2000 through 2008, the range of proportions of nationally certified EMS professionals by race/ethnicity was as follows: whites: 83.5%-86.0%, Hispanics: 4.2%-5.9%, and African-Americans: 2.5%-4.6%. There were no significant changes in the proportion of minority EMS professionals over the study period. Hispanics and African-Americans combined increased slightly from 6.7% of the population in 2000 to 9.9% in 2008. Likewise, the proportion of all under-represented races/ethnicities increased slightly from 2000 (14.0%) to 2008 (16.5%). Females were under-represented in all years. Nationally certified African-Americans were significantly more likely to be certified at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic level (compared with the EMT-Paramedic level) than whites in all but one survey year. The proportion of Hispanics registered at the EMT-Basic level was significantly higher than whites in three survey years. Accordingly, a larger proportion of whites were nationally registered at the EMT-Paramedic level than both African-Americans and Hispanics. A significantly larger proportion of African-Americans reported working in urban communities (population >25,000) compared with whites for nine of the 10 survey years. Similarly, a significantly larger proportion of Hispanics worked in urban communities compared with whites in 2002 and from 2005 to 2008. For satisfaction measures, there were no consistent differences between races/ethnicities. Among factors for entering EMS, the proportion of whites who reported having a friend or family member in the field was significantly higher than African-Americans in all years and significantly higher than Hispanics in four of the nine years. CONCLUSION: The ethnic/racial diversity of the population of nationally certified EMS professionals is not representative of the population served and has not improved over the 2000-2008 period. Similar to other health care professions, Hispanics and African-Americans are under-represented in EMS compared with the US population. This study serves as a baseline to examine under-represented populations in EMS. Crowe RP , Levine R , Eggerichs JJ , Bentley MA . A longitudinal description of Emergency Medical Services professionals by race/ethnicity. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s30-s69.

Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) Design and Methodology.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) design, instrument development, pilot testing, sampling procedures, and data collection methodology. Response rates are provided, along with results of follow-up surveys of non-responders (NRs) and a special survey of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who were not nationally certified. METHODS: Annual surveys from 1999 to 2008 were mailed out to a random, stratified sample of nationally registered EMT-Basics and Paramedics. Survey weights were developed to reflect each respondent's probability of selection. A special survey of NRs was mailed out to individuals who did not respond to the annual survey to estimate the probable extent and direction of response bias. Individuals who indicated they were no longer in the profession were mailed a special exit survey to determine their reasons for leaving EMS. RESULTS: Given the large number of comparisons between NR and regular (annual) survey respondents, it is not surprising that some statistically significant differences were found. In general, there were few differences. However, NRs tended to report higher annual EMS incomes, were younger, healthier, more physically fit, and were more likely to report that they were not practicing EMS. Comparisons of the nationally certified EMS professionals with EMS professionals who were not nationally certified indicated that nationally certified EMS providers were younger, had less EMS experiences, earned less, were more likely to be female and work for private EMS services, and less likely to work for fire-based services. These differences may reflect state and local policy and practice, since many states and local agencies do not require maintenance of national certification as a requirement to practice. When these differences were controlled for statistically, there were few systematic differences between non-nationally certified and nationally certified EMS professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The LEADS study is the only national, randomized, and longitudinal data source for studying EMS professionals in the United States. Although not without flaws, this study remains an excellent source of information about EMS provider demographics, attributes, attitudes, workplace issues and concerns, and how the profession has changed from 1999 to 2008. Levine R . Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) design and methodology. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s7-s17.

A National Assessment of the Health and Safety of Emergency Medical Services Professionals.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to assess changes in (1) health and physical fitness, (2) the prevalence of selected health problems, (3) risk behaviors, (4) ambulance safety issues, and (5) the preparedness of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals. In addition, the incidence of patient-initiated violence directed toward EMS personnel and associated factors were assessed. METHODS: Data were obtained from a sample of nationally certified EMS professionals via annual questionnaires between 1999 and 2008. Stratification was based upon national certification level, self-reported race, and experience level. Weighted percentages, averages for continuous variables, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Significant changes over time were noted by lack of CI overlap. RESULTS: The proportion reporting "excellent" health declined significantly from 1999 (38.5%) to 2008 (32.2%). High rates of sleeping problems (20%-27%), back problems (20%-24%), and hearing problems (7%-10%) were reported as having occurred in the past year. These rates remained constant over time. As a result of sleepiness, 8.0% of nationally certified EMS professionals reported difficulty in driving an emergency vehicle for short distances and 17.5% reported difficulty in driving long distances. The proportion of daily tobacco smokers significantly declined from over one-third (35.3%) to about one-fifth (20.3%). The proportion of providers who had ever been involved in an ambulance crash increased slightly from 2004 (14.5%) to 2008 (15.8%). In 2000, the majority of EMS professionals reported that they and/or their partner had been assaulted by a patient. Finally, there was a significant decrease in the amount of training time devoted to the recognition of biological, chemical, and nuclear (BCN) threats, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and treatment and management of patients exposed to BCN from an average from 8.4 hours in 2003 to 6.2 hours in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: The overall health and physical fitness of EMS professionals as well as their health problems, risk behaviors, ambulance safety, and patient-initiated violence in the prehospital emergency setting are areas of concern for the nation's emergency medical system. The prevalence of these problems and overall health and physical fitness has shown little or no improvement from 1999 to 2008. Bentley MA , Levine R . A national assessment of the health and safety of Emergency Medical Services professionals. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s96-s104.

A 5 year retrospective study of biopsied jaw lesions with the assessment of concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnoses.

INTRODUCTION: The jaw can be affected by several lesions that manifest in the oral cavity, but little is known about their distribution patterns in various populations. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study presents the frequency and distribution of biopsied jaw lesions recorded in Faculty of Dentistry and gathers the information including provisional and final diagnosis of the lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Biopsy of 1938 lesions (2008-2013) was reviewed and 1473 lesions were included in this study. The provisional diagnosis and histopathological validations of lesions were compared. Data on the location of the lesion, as well as patient demographics, were also evaluated. The lesions were divided into three major groups as 1 - developmental/reactive and inflammatory lesions of the jaw, 2 - cystic lesion and 3 - tumor and tumor-like lesions. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The variables were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS: Three hundred and ninety-six lesions were in Group 1 and periapical granuloma was the most frequent diagnosis. Seven hundred and eighty-nine lesions were in Group 2 and the radicular cyst was the most frequent diagnosis. Two hundred and eighty-eight lesions were in Group 3 and the keratocystic odontogenic tumor was the most frequent. Two hundred and ninety-one biopsied lesions were in disagreement with respect to the diagnoses on clinical and histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Consequently, a provisional diagnosis of some of the malignant lesions was reactive, inflammatory, cystic or benign lesions, therefore the importance of evaluation of the specimen is emphasized.

Caracterización del sistema polimórfico inserción/deleción del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina en una muestra poblacional cubana / Characterization of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism in a sample of Cuban population

Introducción: El polimorfismo de inserción/deleción del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina es uno de los marcadores de predisposición a enfermedades más estudiados del eje renina-angiotensina. Los hallazgos contradictorios de estudios de su asociación con diversas afecciones hacen necesario tipificar previamente las poblaciones de interés. Objetivos: Caracterizar el comportamiento de este polimorfismo en los principales grupos raciales cubanos: caucasoide y negroide. Métodos: Mediante un método basado en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa se genotipificaron 93 muestras de sangre periférica obtenidas de adultos aparentemente sanos (49 caucasoides y 44 negroides). Se calcularon las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas grupales. Resultados: Los genotipos ID y DD predominaron en los grupos caucasoide y negroide, respectivamente. La comparación de las frecuencias genotípicas entre ambos grupos evidenció diferencias significativas para el genotipo ID. El alelo D resultó el más frecuente en las 2 subpoblaciones estudiadas. Ambas se encuentran en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg para este polimorfismo. Las comparaciones de las distribuciones alélicas y genotípicas entre los grupos y poblaciones foráneas similares, no arrojaron diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten considerar los valores de frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas obtenidos como referencia para posteriores estudios de asociación con enfermedades en la población cubana e indican la necesidad de tener en cuenta las características particulares de este polimorfismo en cada grupo racial

Introduction: The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme is one of the more studied markers of predisposition to diseases of the renin-angiotensin axis. The contradictory findings from the studies of its association with diverse affection make necessary to typify previously the interesting population. Objectives: To characterize the behavior of this polymorphism in the main Cuban racial groups: Caucasoid and Negroid. Methods: By means of the polymerase chain reaction-based on method the genotyping was made in 93 samples of peripheral blood obtained from adults apparently healthy (49 Caucasoid and 44 Negroid). The allelic and genotypical-group frequencies were estimated. Results: The ID and DD genotypes were predominant in the Caucasoid and Negroid, respectively. The comparison of the genotype frequencies among both groups showed significant differences for the ID genotype. The D allele was more frequent in the two study subpopulations. Both are in balance of Hardy-Weinberg for this polymorphism. The comparisons of the allelic and genotypical distributions among similar foreign populations and groups had not significant differences. Conclusions: Results allows us to consider the values of genotypical and allelic frequencies obtained as reference for further studies on the association with diseases in Cuban population and suggest the need of to take into account the own features of this polymorphism in each racial group

Caracterización del sistema polimórfico inserción/deleción del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina en una muestra poblacional cubana / Characterization of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism in a sample of Cuban population

Introducción: El polimorfismo de inserción/deleción del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina es uno de los marcadores de predisposición a enfermedades más estudiados del eje renina-angiotensina. Los hallazgos contradictorios de estudios de su asociación con diversas afecciones hacen necesario tipificar previamente las poblaciones de interés. Objetivos: Caracterizar el comportamiento de este polimorfismo en los principales grupos raciales cubanos: caucasoide y negroide. Métodos: Mediante un método basado en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa se genotipificaron 93 muestras de sangre periférica obtenidas de adultos aparentemente sanos (49 caucasoides y 44 negroides). Se calcularon las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas grupales. Resultados: Los genotipos ID y DD predominaron en los grupos caucasoide y negroide, respectivamente. La comparación de las frecuencias genotípicas entre ambos grupos evidenció diferencias significativas para el genotipo ID. El alelo D resultó el más frecuente en las 2 subpoblaciones estudiadas. Ambas se encuentran en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg para este polimorfismo. Las comparaciones de las distribuciones alélicas y genotípicas entre los grupos y poblaciones foráneas similares, no arrojaron diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten considerar los valores de frecuencias genotípicas y alélicas obtenidos como referencia para posteriores estudios de asociación con enfermedades en la población cubana e indican la necesidad de tener en cuenta las características particulares de este polimorfismo en cada grupo racial(AU)

Introduction: The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme is one of the more studied markers of predisposition to diseases of the renin-angiotensin axis. The contradictory findings from the studies of its association with diverse affection make necessary to typify previously the interesting population. Objectives: To characterize the behavior of this polymorphism in the main Cuban racial groups: Caucasoid and Negroid. Methods: By means of the polymerase chain reaction-based on method the genotyping was made in 93 samples of peripheral blood obtained from adults apparently healthy (49 Caucasoid and 44 Negroid). The allelic and genotypical-group frequencies were estimated. Results: The ID and DD genotypes were predominant in the Caucasoid and Negroid, respectively. The comparison of the genotype frequencies among both groups showed significant differences for the ID genotype. The D allele was more frequent in the two study subpopulations. Both are in balance of Hardy-Weinberg for this polymorphism. The comparisons of the allelic and genotypical distributions among similar foreign populations and groups had not significant differences. Conclusions: Results allows us to consider the values of genotypical and allelic frequencies obtained as reference for further studies on the association with diseases in Cuban population and suggest the need of to take into account the own features of this polymorphism in each racial group(AU)

Síndrome metabólico, un problema de salud no diagnosticado / Metabolic syndrome: a non diagnosed health problem

Introducción: estudio transversal de prevalencia, realizado en el área norte de la ciudad de Sancti Spíritus en el período de enero de 2006 a diciembre de 2009. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico según los criterios de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Diabetes. Métodos: el universo de estudio fue la población de 16 años o más de edad de 20 consultorios escogidos al azar, los cuales representaron el 40 por ciento del total del área norte. La muestra estimada fue de 913 personas, y se logró encuestar y evaluar a 1 019 personas. El 93,62 por ciento de estas personas residían en el área urbana. La selección de las casas fue a través de una tabla de números aleatorios. Resultados: la prevalencia global del síndrome metabólico fue de 39, 8 por ciento (IC-95 por ciento; 36,8-42,8 por ciento). No hubo diferencias significativas con respecto al género (masculino: 40 por ciento [IC-95 por ciento; 35,4-44,6 por ciento], femenino: 39,8 por ciento [IC-95 por ciento; 35,8-43,7 por ciento]). El síndrome metabólico se incrementó significativamente con la edad de la persona (³ 50 años de edad), con el índice de masa corporal (³ 25 kg/m²), con la procedencia urbana de las personas y con el deterioro del metabolismo de la glucosa. Conclusiones: la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en la población estudiada fue alta(AU)

Introduction: a cross-sectional on prevalence was conducted in the north area of the Sancti Spiritus city from January, 2006 to December, 2009. Objective: to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according the criteria of the Latin-American of Diabetes. Methods: the study universe included persons aged 16 or more from 20 randomized consulting rooms, which accounted for the 40 percent of north area total. The averaged sample was of 913 persons where 1 019 were polled and assessed. The 93,62 percent were residents of urban area. Home selection was made through a randomized number table. Results: global prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased significantly with age of the person (³ 50 years old) with a body mass index (³ 25 kg/m²) with the urban origin persons and with the glucose metabolism deterioration. Conclusions: prevalence of metabolic in study population is high(AU)

Demographic study of parkinson's disease in Iran: Data on 1656 cases.

BACKGROUND: There is no documented demographical study on Iranian Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, so this study was conducted to identify demographic information about patients with PD in Iran, and to explore demographical differences between PD patients in Iran and other countries. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 1656 patients diagnosed with PD, who referred from all parts of Iran to a referral Parkinson's disease clinic in Tehran. We collected data about their age, gender, age of onset, side of motor symptoms' onset, and drug history. RESULTS: This study was performed on 1656 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and the results showed that, out of 1656 cases, 1132 patients were males (68.4%) and 524 patients were females (31.6%). The mean age of these patients was 65.16 ±11.9 years (16-99 years). The mean age of onset in these patients was 53.16 ±12.5 years (12-90 years). Among 697 patients, 345 patients (49.5%) had right onset PD, and the remaining 352 cases had left onset PD (50.5%). Side of motor symptoms onset was not associated with the age of the patients at disease onset (P > 0.05). The incidence of right onset PD in males was 50.1% and 48.2% in females, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between males and females in age of onset (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that the male to female ratio among Iranian Parkinson's disease patients is much higher than other countries. Additional investigation is required in this field.

Estudo demográfico do câncer de canal anal e ânus no estado de Sergipe / Cancer of canal anal and anus. A demografic study in Sergipe - Brasil

A carência de estudos demográficos específicos sobre o câncer de canal anal e ânus no Brasil e uma melhor compreensão do comportamento da patologia no estado de Sergipe motivaram a realização de tal estudo. Em análise retrospectiva (1993 - 2005), foram avaliadas as principais características demográficas do câncer anal em Sergipe. Foram estudados 91 pacientes, sendo 70 (76,9 por cento) do gênero feminino e 21 (23,0 por cento) do gênero masculino. A média de casos novos ao ano no período estudado foi de 0,39 por 100.000 pessoas, com desvio padrão de ± 0,16. O carcinoma de células escamosas (CEC) foi responsável por 68 por cento dos casos de câncer anal. No presente estudo, constatou-se o mau preenchimento dos prontuários médicos e a necessidade de se criar um protocolo para o atendimento e acompanhamento dos pacientes com câncer de canal anal e ânus.

The lack of specific demographic studies about anal canal and anus cancer in Brazil and a better understanding of pathologies' behavior in Sergipe's state had motivated the accomplishment of such study. In retrospective analysis (1993 - 2005) we evaluate the main demographics characteristics of the anal cancer in Sergipe. From a total of 91 patients, 69 (76.6 percent) were female and 21 (23.4 percent) were male. The average of new cases a year was of 0,39 per 100.000 people, with standard deviation of ± 0,16. The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) account of 68 percent of the cases of anal cancer. In the present study it was observed an unconnected medical charts fulfillment and the necessity of a protocol for the assistance as well as the follow-up of the patients with anal canal and anus cancer.