Predicting urban design effects on physical activity and public health: A case study

With increasing global concerns about obesity and related health effects, tools to predict how urban form affects population physical activity and health are needed. However, such tools have not been well established. This article develops a computer simulation model for forecasting the health effects of urban features that promote walking. The article demonstrates the model using a proposed small-area plan for a neighborhood of 10,400 residents in Raleigh, North Carolina, one of the fastest-growing and most sprawling U.S. cities. The simulation model predicts that the plan would increase average daily time spent walking for transportation by 17 min. As a result, annual deaths from all causes are predicted to decrease by 5.5%. Annual new cases of diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension are predicted to decline by 1.9%, 2.3%, 1.3%, and 1.6%, respectively. The present value of these health benefits is $21,000 per resident.     

Human biomonitoring of phthalate exposure in Austrian children and adults and cumulative risk assessment

Phthalates are a class of chemicals widely used as plasticisers in a multitude of common consumer products. Through contact with such products, people are regularly exposed to phthalates, which are suspected to contribute to adverse health effects, particularly in the reproductive system.In the present study, 14 urinary phthalate metabolites of 10 parent phthalates were analysed by HPLC–MS/MS among the Austrian population aged 6–15 and 18–81 years in order to assess phthalate exposure. In the total study population, ranges of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were n.d.–2,105 μg/l (median 25 μg/l) for monoethyl phthalate (MEP), n.d.–88 μg/l (10 μg/l) for mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), n.d.–248 μg/l (28 μg/l) for mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), n.d.–57 μg/l (1.8 μg/l) for mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), n.d.–20 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), n.d.–80 μg/l (2.6 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), n.d.–57 μg/l (1.9 μg/l) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), n.d.–219 μg/l (11 μg/l) for mono-(5-carboxy-2-ethylpentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP), n.d.–188 μg/l (1.6 μg/l) for 3-carboxy-mono-proply phthalate (3cx-MPP), n.d.–5.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-cyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP), n.d.–4.5 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-pentyl phthalate (MnPeP), n.d.–3.4 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP), n.d.–13 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP), and n.d.–1.1 μg/l (n.d.) for mono-isodecyl phthalate (MiDP). Generally, children exhibited higher levels of exposure to the majority of investigated phthalates, except to MEP, which was found in higher concentrations in adults and senior citizens at a maximum concentration of 2,105 μg/l. Individual daily intakes were estimated based on urinary creatinine and urinary volume excretion and were then compared to acceptable exposure levels, leading to the identification of exceedances of mainly the Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDI), especially among children. The execution of a cumulative risk assessment based on Hazard Indices showed cause for concern mainly for children, as well as in rare cases for adults.Although phthalate exposure seems to have decreased in previous years, the wide distribution and existing exceedances of acceptable levels indicate that phthalate exposure should be further monitored in order to identify exposure sources and enable appropriate minimisation measures.     

石化企业职工的健康风险评估与分析

目的 :分析石油化工企业职工的健康风险,并对结果进行评估。方法 :对体检资料进行回顾性分析,对体检资料中的数据进行比较与分析,主要采用国内使用较为普遍的健康风险评估软件对研究对象中的高危人群进行常见慢性疾病的风险预警评估。结果 :不同性别和年龄的受检者在不同疾病患病风险上存在着差异性。结论 :健康风险评估可以成为健康管理服务中的核心环节,从而有利于对慢性病高危人群实施有效的管理。     

MNA和SGA在评价炎症性肠病病人营养状况中的应用

目的:探讨炎症性肠病(IBD)病人营养评估的合理方法. 方法:选择微型营养评定法(MNA)联合营养状况主观综合评估(SGA)对IBD病人进行营养状态评估,同时检测血红蛋白(Hb)、总淋巴细胞计数(TLC)、血清前清蛋白(PA)、清蛋白(ALB)以及钠、钾和钙等指标. 结果:Pearson相关分析显示,MNA值与Hb、ALB、和Na+呈显著相关性.Kendall's tau-b相关方法分析证明,MNA与SGA两种营养评估方法具有很好的相关性(r=0.772,P=0.000). 结论:MNA联合SGA对IBD病人进行营养状况评估方法科学和准确.     

即时性图像法膳食调查技术应用于学龄前儿童膳食调查的效果评价

目的对即时性图像法应用于学龄前儿童膳食调查进行效果评价。方法招募60位幼儿园儿童及其家长,为儿童提供食物原料经严格称重后烹制的午餐。进餐前家长从三个角度对食物进行拍摄,同样方法拍摄剩余食物,并将图像文件发送至固定邮箱,次日接受针对儿童的24h膳食回顾调查,膳食估量小组成员对图片中的食物进行估重。得到称量数据、图像法数据和24h回顾法数据,归类汇总三组数据并进行营养计算。结果与24h回顾法数据相比,除水果和带鱼外,图像法数据与称重数据的相关性更好。除畜禽肉类和带鱼外,图像法的数据与称重法更接近。基于图像法数据计算的能量与各营养素的摄入量数据,与称重数据的计算结果更接近。结论与24h回顾法相比,用即时性图像法膳食调查技术对学龄前儿童进行膳食调查,可获得与实际重量更接近的食物消费量数据。     

The Consumer Quality Index in an accident and emergency department: internal consistency,validity and discriminative capacity

Background

Patients’ experiences are an indicator of health‐care performance in the accident and emergency department (A&E). The Consumer Quality Index for the Accident and Emergency department (CQI A&E), a questionnaire to assess the quality of care as experienced by patients, was investigated. The internal consistency, construct validity and discriminative capacity of the questionnaire were examined.

Methods

In the Netherlands, twenty‐one A&Es participated in a cross‐sectional survey, covering 4883 patients. The questionnaire consisted of 78 questions. Principal components analysis determined underlying domains. Internal consistency was determined by Cronbach''s alpha coefficients, construct validity by Pearson''s correlation coefficients and the discriminative capacity by intraclass correlation coefficients and reliability of A&E‐level mean scores (G‐coefficient).

Results

Seven quality domains emerged from the principal components analysis: information before treatment, timeliness, attitude of health‐care professionals, professionalism of received care, information during treatment, environment and facilities, and discharge management. Domains were internally consistent (range: 0.67–0.84). Five domains and the ‘global quality rating’ had the capacity to discriminate among A&Es (significant intraclass correlation coefficient). Four domains and the ‘global quality rating’ were close to or above the threshold for reliably demonstrating differences among A&Es. The patients’ experiences score on the domain timeliness showed the largest range between the worst‐ and best‐performing A&E.

Conclusions

The CQI A&E is a validated survey to measure health‐care performance in the A&E from patients’ perspective. Five domains regarding quality of care aspects and the ‘global quality rating’ had the capacity to discriminate among A&Es.     

Cancer Risk Assessment Tools in Primary Care: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

We conducted this review to identify published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cancer risk assessment tools used in primary care and to determine their impact on clinical utility (clinicians), screening uptake (patients), and psychosocial outcomes (patients).

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed and the Cochrane databases for RCTs of cancer risk assessment tools in primary care up to May 2014. Only studies set in primary care, with patients eligible for screening, and English-language articles were included.

RESULTS

The review included 11 trials of 7 risk tools. The trials were heterogeneous with respect to type of tool that was used, type(s) of cancer assessed, and outcomes measured. Evidence suggested risk tools improved patient risk perception, knowledge, and screening intentions, but not necessarily screening behavior. Overall, uptake of a tool was greater if initiated by patients, if used by a dedicated clinician, and when combined with decision support. There was no increase in cancer worry. Health promotion messages within the tool had positive effects on behavior change. Trials were limited by low-recruitment uptake, and the heterogeneity of the findings necessitated a narrative review rather than a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk tools may increase intentions to have cancer screening, but additional interventions at the clinician or health system levels may be needed to increase risk-appropriate cancer screening behavior.     

低剂量阿司匹林对高危孕妇子痫前期的预防效果

目的：评价低剂量阿司匹林（ LDA）在预防高危孕妇子痫前期（ PE）的作用及疗效。方法采用随机、对照、双盲实验将480名12周及20周孕妇分为12个组别,分别给予50mg／d、100mg／d及150mg／d剂量的LAD和安慰剂,比较各组间的子痫发生情况、分娩孕周、孕妇产后出血量、早产及胎儿生长受限、新生儿出血性疾病发生、新生儿死亡率等情况。观察合适的服用LDA的时间和剂量。结果12周与20周孕妇不同剂量LDA组结果均显示,服用LDA的子痫发生率均低于服用安慰剂组,而且以100mg／d组别子痫发生率最低,差异具有统计学意义（χ2＝29．838,P＜0．05）;12周结果显示早产发生、新生儿出血性疾病发生情况方面,服用LDA与服用安慰剂均无统计学差异（χ2值分别为1．441、1．034,均P＞0．05）;但是服用LDA组发生胎儿生长受限及新生儿死亡情况显著低于服用安慰剂组,且差异有统计学意义（χ2值分别为13．317、15．984,均P＜0．05）。20周结果显示在早产发生、胎儿生长受限、新生儿出血性疾病发生情况方面,服用LDA与服用安慰剂并无统计学差异（χ2值分别为1．441、6．117、0．835,均P＞0．05）;但是服用LDA组发生新生儿死亡情况显著低于服用安慰剂组,且差异有统计学意义（χ2＝15．984,P＜0．05）;12孕周服用LDA各组较20孕周服用LDA各组的子痫发生率低显著降低（χ2＝11．663,P＜0．05）。结论12周服用LDA100mg／d可以有效降低PE的发生,具有预防效果。     

Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Sodium Selenite in the Treatment of Patients with Carcinoma in a Phase I Clinical Trial: The SECAR Study

Background: Sodium selenite at high dose exerts antitumor effects and increases efficacy of cytostatic drugs in multiple preclinical malignancy models. We assessed the safety and efficacy of intravenous administered sodium selenite in cancer patients’ refractory to cytostatic drugs in a phase I trial. Patients received first line of chemotherapy following selenite treatment to investigate altered sensitivity to these drugs and preliminary assessment of any clinical benefits. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients with different therapy resistant tumors received iv sodium selenite daily for consecutive five days either for two weeks or four weeks. Each cohort consisted of at least three patients who received the same daily dose of selenite throughout the whole treatment. If 0/3 patients had dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the study proceeded to the next dose-level. If 2/3 had DLT, the dose was considered too high and if 1/3 had DLT, three more patients were included. Dose-escalation continued until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. MTD was defined as the highest dose-level on which 0/3 or 1/6 patients experienced DLT. The primary endpoint was safety, dose-limiting toxic effects and the MTD of sodium selenite. The secondary endpoint was primary response evaluation. Results and Conclusion: MTD was defined as 10.2 mg/m², with a calculated median plasma half-life of 18.25 h. The maximum plasma concentration of selenium from a single dose of selenite increased in a nonlinear pattern. The most common adverse events were fatigue, nausea, and cramps in fingers and legs. DLTs were acute, of short duration and reversible. Biomarkers for organ functions indicated no major systemic toxicity. In conclusion, sodium selenite is safe and tolerable when administered up to 10.2 mg/m² under current protocol. Further development of the study is underway to determine if prolonged infusions might be a more effective treatment strategy.