Changes in iodine status among US adults, 2001–2012

Urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) in the US have been reported to be stable since 1988–1994, although those in selected subgroups remained low. We aimed to investigate iodine status among adults (≥20 years) by two different criteria of assessing iodine deficiency in population. Utilizing National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2001–2012, we conducted linear logistic regressions adjusting for covariates. The prevalence of <50?μg/L UIC was higher in women than in men; increased from 11.6% (2001–2004) to 13.2% (2009–2012) at the national level and in young adults, non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs) and non-users of iodine-containing supplements (all, p?<0.05); the adjusted odds ratios (95%CI) in young adults (1.54 [1.11–2.15], p =?0.0007) and NHBs (1.70 [1.15–2.52], p =?0.0078). Median UICs confirm women and NHBs being in borderline iodine status. Recognizing the critical consequence of iodine deficiency particularly in women and NHBs, regular monitoring of iodine status is important for public health in the US.     

Air Pollution and the Risk of Cardiac Defects: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Previous epidemiologic studies have assessed the role of the exposure to ambient air pollution in the development of cardiac birth defects, but they have provided somewhat inconsistent results. To assess the associations between exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of cardiac defects, a population-based case-control study was conducted using 1087 cases of cardiac defects and a random sample of 10,870 controls from 1,533,748 Taiwanese newborns in 2001 to 2007.Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios for 10 ppb increases in O₃ and 10 μg/m³ increases in PM₁₀. In addition, we compared the risk of cardiac defects in 4 categories-high exposure (>75th percentile); medium exposure (75th to 50th percentile); low exposure (<50th–25th percentile); reference (<25th percentile) based on the distribution of each pollutant. The risks of ventricular septal defects (VSD), atrial septal defects (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were associated with 10 ppb increases in O₃ exposure during the first 3 gestational months among term and preterm babies. In comparison between high PM₁₀ exposure and reference category, there were statistically significant elevations in the effect estimates of ASD for all and terms births. In addition, there was a negative or weak association between SO_2, NO₂, CO, and cardiac defects_.The study proved that exposure to outdoor air O₃ and PM₁₀ during the first trimester of gestation may increase the risk of VSD, ASD, and PDA.     

Psychosocial mechanisms of a behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence of prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose: We examined underlying psychosocial processes of a behavioral treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) of prostate cancer survivors.

Design: Secondary analysis of data collected from a clinical trial.

Sample: Two hundred forty-four prostate cancer survivors who participated in a clinical trial of behavioral intervention to UI as intervention or control subjects.

Methods: The participants had a 3-month behavioral intervention or usual care and were followed up for an additional 3?months. They were assessed at baseline, 3, and 6?months. Latent growth curve models were performed to examine trajectories of each study variable and relationships among the variables.

Findings: Increasing self-efficacy and social support were significantly and independently associated with more reduction of urinary leakage frequency over time.

Implications for psychosocial oncology: Providing problem-solving skills and social support, including peer support, are essential for empowering patients to reduce UI.     

金水宝片联合依诺肝素对维持性血液透析患者血脂代谢的影响

目的：探究金水宝片联合依诺肝素对维持性血液透析患者血脂代谢的影响。方法：选取2018年12月至2019年3月马鞍山十七冶医院血液净化中心进行透析的患者154例作为研究对象，根据用药不同分为对照组和观察组,每组77例。对照组常规应用依诺肝素抗凝，观察组在对照组抗凝基础上加用金水宝片，各组均干预3个月，比较2组患者血脂变化及持续血液透析并发症发生情况。结果：治疗后，观察组患者三酰甘油、总胆固醇及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平下降，高密度脂蛋白胆固醇升高，与治疗前比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05），与对照组治疗后比较，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）；观察组总并发症发生率明显低于对照组，2组比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）；2组患者维持性血液透析不良反应发生率均较低，组间比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：金水宝片联合依诺肝素有助于改善维持性血液透析患者血脂代谢水平，降低维持性血液透析相关并发症，值得临床推广应用。