Spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in a Kaingáng indigenous village from Southern Brazil

The spatial distribution of enteroparasitosis in an indigenous village from Paraná was evaluated to identify areas of risk for these infections. A cross-sectional study (from November 2010 to June 2011) was performed using Three Faecal Test^® and Kato &; Katz method and a questionnaire on housing and hygiene conditions was administered. Local geostatistical analyses were performed to determine the spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalence of enteroparasites was 67.2?% (457/680), and the most prevalent taxa were Ascaris lumbricoides (48.8?%) and Trichuris trichiura (44.7?%). The prevalence of heavy infection by soil-transmitted helminths was 3.6?% and the families lived in houses with an average of 5.1 residents and < 2 bedrooms per household. The average number of species per individual present spatial heterogeneity with the highest values (≥0.8) in areas with high clustering of residences. The visualization of the spatial distribution of intestinal parasites in this indigenous village is an important contribution to determining health risk areas and planning decisions and services.     

A population-based study of repeat hospital admissions due to interpersonal violence for children aged 0–9 years

To assess the magnitude and nature of interpersonal violence resulting in hospitalisation of children and to identify subgroups at risk of repeat hospital admissions, a population-based, retrospective study of all violence hospitalisations in Western Australia for children aged 9 years or less was undertaken, using the 1990–2004 linked data retrieved from the Western Australian Mortality Database and the Hospital Morbidity Data System.
Of the 747 patients aged <10 years incurring 834 hospitalisations for the consequences of violence during the study period, 570 (76%) were less than 4 years of age. A total of 43 deaths from violence were recorded and 74 (9%) patients were admitted for more than one episode of violence. Victims aged 0–4 years from rural (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35, 5.43) and remote parts (HR = 2.79; 95% CI 1.25, 6.25) of the state were at increased risk of a subsequent admission for violence compared with those residing within the metropolitan area. Indigenous children aged 5–9 years were significantly more likely (HR = 3.57; 95% CI 1.14, 11.13) to incur a second hospitalisation for violence than their non-Indigenous counterparts. The identification of young victim subgroups at high risk of repeat hospitalisations is important for developing intervention strategies to reduce the burden of interpersonal violence. Young children aged 0–4 years living in rural and remote locations and Indigenous children aged 5–9 years should be specifically targeted for attention.     

Assessing Diet Quality of Indigenous Food Systems in Three Geographically Distinct Solomon Islands Sites (Melanesia,Pacific Islands)

Indigenous Solomon Islanders, like many living in Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), are currently experiencing the global syndemic—the combined threat of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. This mixed-method study aimed to assess nutrition transitions and diet quality by comparing three geographically unique rural and urban indigenous Solomon Islands populations. Participants in rural areas sourced more energy from wild and cultivated foods; consumed a wider diversity of foods; were more likely to meet WHO recommendations of >400 g of non-starchy fruits and vegetables daily; were more physically active; and had significantly lower body fat, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) when compared to urban populations. Urban populations were found to have a reduced ability to self-cultivate agri-food products or collect wild foods, and therefore consumed more ultra-processed foods (classified as NOVA 4) and takeout foods, and overall had less diverse diets compared to rural populations. Clear opportunities to leverage traditional knowledge and improve the cultivation and consumption of underutilized species can assist in building more sustainable and resilient food systems while ensuring that indigenous knowledge and cultural preferences are respected.     

The prospects of a harm reduction approach among indigenous people in Canada

A harm reduction approach to alcohol and substance abuse is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to prohibitionist and abstentionist policies. It is seen as particularly valuable for some high-risk populations, such as injection drug users and street youth. A strong argument can be made that Aboriginal communities in Ontario, Canada, and probably across the country, are appropriate environments for a harm reduction approach. Aboriginal people are at extremely elevated risk for accident, illness and death. At the same time, alcohol use is a predominant factor in many of these outcomes, and elevates many of the risks associated with Aboriginal life. Isolated, remote reserve communities in northern Ontario present additional risks of extremely poor living conditions and extreme weather conditions. Prohibition and abstinence are currently the main approaches to alcohol and substance abuse in many of these communities, while the role of alcohol in morbidity, mortality and other social problems remains high. There are positive indications that the feasibility of harm reduction strategies could be broached in some communities. It is concluded that the obstacles are significant but a community-by-community approach is a strong feature of harm reduction, and may increase its prospects for piloting strategies in individual communities.     

辛伐他汀治疗老年人高脂血症的临床观察

目的 :了解辛伐他汀 (舒降之 )治疗老年人高脂血症的疗效。方法 :对 93例老年高脂血症患者采用舒降之治疗。结果 :治疗了 4周和 8周后 ,胆固醇 (TC)明显降低 2 2 %、2 7% (P <0 .0 1) ,低密度脂蛋白 (LDL C)明显降低 17%、2 4 % (P <0 .0 1) ,高密度脂蛋白 (HDL C)增加 15 %、16 % (P <0 .0 5 ) ,三酰甘油 (TG)降低 18%、2 1% (P <0 .0 5 ) ,仅有轻微不良反应。结论 :辛伐他汀可显著降低TC、LDL C ,可中等程度降低TG及升高HDL C。表明辛伐他汀是治疗老年人高脂血症的理想调脂药物