Browsing by Subject "epidemiology"
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Item A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas(2000-05-01) Williams, Vanessa P.; Antonio A. Rene; Thomas J. Fairchild; Sally BlakleyWilliams, Vanessa P., A Six-Year Analysis of the Distribution of Time to Death Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in the State of Texas. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2000, 55 pp., 11 tables, 9 figures, references, 52 titles. The cancer experience of Texans differs substantially by race/ethnicity. Among Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic men and women, colon cancer is either the second or third leading type of cancers among Texans. The distribution of time to death over a six-year period were assessed from a cohort of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian men and women diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in the overall death time distribution and tumor histology among African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasian men and women who were diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992 in the state of Texas. Analysis results indicated that Hispanic females (65.59%) and Caucasian males (65.52%) had higher survival times among the race/ethnic groups. African American males (53.85%) and females (56.40%) experienced lower survival time for the cohort. For overall distribution of time to death among deceased subjects, African American males and Hispanic females experienced the lowest distribution times among the subjects. The overall distribution of time to death for all histology types were the same for each type.Item A Study of Hepatitis A Seropositivity in Dallas County, 1998-1999(2001-05-01) Fulda, Kimberly G.; Antonio Rene; John Licciardone; Sally BlakelyFulda, Kimberly G., A Study of Hepatitis A Seropositivity in Dallas County, 1998 – 1999. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2001, 39 pp., 4 tables, 9 figures, references, 28 titles. The purpose of this study was to determine incidence rates per 100,000 population of hepatits A (HAV) in Dallas County for 1998 and 1999. Individuals who tested seropositive for hepatitis A between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 1999 were included. The variables of interest were sex, race, age, Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP code), and date of occurrence. Rates for 1998 were 1.9 times higher in Dallas County than the United States. In 1999, the Dallas County rate increased over 1.6 times. Rates were significantly higher in males for both years, and rates were highest among Hispanics and lowest among Blacks. Differences in age distribution varied between years by increasing in ages 50 and older in 1999. Several ZIP codes exceeded rates of 20 per 100,000 for both 1998 and 1999. Dallas County met the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines for routine vaccination of all children in 1999.Item Association of Magnesium Intake with Liver Fibrosis among Adults in the United States(MDPI, 2021-01-02) Tao, Meng-Hua; Fulda, Kimberly G.Liver fibrosis represents the consequences of chronic liver injury. Individuals with alcoholic or nonalcoholic liver diseases are at high risk of magnesium deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the association between magnesium and calcium intakes and significant liver fibrosis, and whether the associations differ by alcohol drinking status. Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018, the study included 4166 participants aged >18 years who completed the transient elastography examination and had data available on magnesium intake. The median liver stiffness of 8.2 kPa was used to identify subjects with significant fibrosis (≥F2). The age-adjusted prevalence of significant fibrosis was 12.81%. Overall total magnesium intake was marginally associated with reduced odds of significant fibrosis (p trend = 0.14). The inverse association of total magnesium intake with significant fibrosis was primarily presented among those who had daily calcium intake <1200 mg. There were no clear associations for significant fibrosis with calcium intake. Findings suggest that high total magnesium alone may reduce risk of significant fibrosis. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.Item Clinical Symptoms of Arboviruses in Mexico(MDPI, 2020-11-19) Ananth, Sushmitha; Shrestha, Nistha; Treviño C., Jesús A.; Nguyen, Uyen-Sa; Haque, Ubydul; Angulo-Molina, Aracely; Lopez-Lemus, Uriel A.; Lubinda, Jailos; Sharif, Rashed Md; Zaki, Rafdzah Ahmad; Sánchez Casas, Rosa María; Cervantes, Diana; Nandy, RajeshArboviruses such as Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) have emerged as a significant public health concern in Mexico. The existing literature lacks evidence regarding the dispersion of arboviruses, thereby limiting public health policy's ability to integrate the diagnosis, management, and prevention. This study seeks to reveal the clinical symptoms of CHIK, DENV, and ZIKV by age group, region, sex, and time across Mexico. The confirmed cases of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV were compiled from January 2012 to March 2020. Demographic characteristics analyzed significant clinical symptoms of confirmed cases. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between clinical symptoms and geographical regions. Females and individuals aged 15 and older had higher rates of reported significant symptoms across all three arboviruses. DENV showed a temporal variation of symptoms by regions 3 and 5, whereas ZIKV presented temporal variables in regions 2 and 4. This study revealed unique and overlapping symptoms between CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV. However, the differentiation of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV is difficult, and diagnostic facilities are not available in rural areas. There is a need for adequately trained healthcare staff alongside well-equipped lab facilities, including hematological tests and imaging facilities.Item Defining the Prostate Cancer Population in Texas Using Hospital Discharge Data(2004-05-01) Manuel, Christopher J.; Karan Singh; Antonio A. ReneManuel, Christopher J., Defining the prostate cancer population in Texas using hospital discharge data. Masters of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2004, 25 pp., 6 tables, bibliography, 35 titles. The Texas Health Care Information Council (THCIC) was created by the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995. THCIC’s primary purpose is to provide data that will enable Texas consumers and health plan purchasers to make informed health care decisions. This data also serves the purpose of providing information about disease trends and hospital discharges. The purpose of this study was to describe the disease status of prostate cancer in the state of Texas. Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous male malignancy and ranks as the second cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the United States. Epidemiologic data was extracted from the data set for analysis looking at disease trends based on a variety of factors such as age, race, and insurance.Item Development and Comparison of Dengue Vulnerability Indices Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in Lao PDR and Thailand(MDPI, 2021-09-06) Zafar, Sumaira; Shipin, Oleg; Paul, Richard E.; Rocklov, Joacim; Haque, Ubydul; Rahman, Md. Siddikur; Mayxay, Mayfong; Pientong, Chamsai; Aromseree, Sirinart; Poolphol, Petchaboon; Pongvongsa, Tiengkham; Vannavong, Nanthasane; Overgaard, Hans J.Dengue is a continuous health burden in Laos and Thailand. We assessed and mapped dengue vulnerability in selected provinces of Laos and Thailand using multi-criteria decision approaches. An ecohealth framework was used to develop dengue vulnerability indices (DVIs) that explain links between population, social and physical environments, and health to identify exposure, susceptibility, and adaptive capacity indicators. Three DVIs were constructed using two objective approaches, Shannon's Entropy (SE) and the Water-Associated Disease Index (WADI), and one subjective approach, the Best-Worst Method (BWM). Each DVI was validated by correlating the index score with dengue incidence for each spatial unit (district and subdistrict) over time. A Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) larger than 0.5 and a p-value less than 0.05 implied a good spatial and temporal performance. Spatially, DVIWADI was significantly correlated on average in 19% (4-40%) of districts in Laos (mean r = 0.5) and 27% (15-53%) of subdistricts in Thailand (mean r = 0.85). The DVISE was validated in 22% (12-40%) of districts in Laos and in 13% (3-38%) of subdistricts in Thailand. The DVIBWM was only developed for Laos because of lack of data in Thailand and was significantly associated with dengue incidence on average in 14% (0-28%) of Lao districts. The DVIWADI indicated high vulnerability in urban centers and in areas with plantations and forests. In 2019, high DVIWADI values were observed in sparsely populated areas due to elevated exposure, possibly from changes in climate and land cover, including urbanization, plantations, and dam construction. Of the three indices, DVIWADI was the most suitable vulnerability index for the study area. The DVIWADI can also be applied to other water-associated diseases, such as Zika and chikungunya, to highlight priority areas for further investigation and as a tool for prevention and interventions.Item Geographic Information System: A Targeted Approach to Syphilis Elimination(2000-08-01) Morrison-Jones, June; Urrutia-Rojas, Ximena; Lurie, Sue; Oppong, JosephMorrison-Jones, June, Geographic Information System: A Targeted Approach to Syphilis Elimination. Master of Public Health, August 2000, 55 pp., 3 tables, 3 appendices, reference list, 25 titles. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has long caused a heavy public health and economic burden in the United States. With syphilis rates reaching their lowest recorded levels in the United States, Health officials are calling for an increased effort to eliminate the disease. In the United States, syphilis is also now extremely concentrated geographically, facilitating effective intervention. Most syphilis cases disproportionately affect a small portion of the population. African Americans who live below the poverty level, have limited access to health care, and have a number of social problems are also affected. This study examines the geographic distribution of syphilis and factors associated with syphilis transmission in Dallas County. The study used the techniques of geographic information system, principles of epidemiology, sociocultural linkages (race, ethnicity, and gender) between demographic factors and syphilis, to gain insights into the geographic distribution of syphilis among the affected groups, and intervention strategies for syphilis elimination were developed. These suggestions should assist the Dallas County Health Department in launching an effective syphilis elimination program. Results showed that zip codes with high incidence of cases were generally adjacent to each other. In addition, statistically significant results confirmed that poverty, minority-race ethnicity and geographic core areas are factors associated with the transmission of syphilis.Item Meta-analysis: Effects of Opuntia Species(2000-05-01) Garcia, Anna R.; John Licciardone; Gilbert Ramirez; FongGarcia, Anna R., Meta-analysis: Effects of Opuntia species. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May, 2000, 73 pp., 10 tables, 10 figures, references, 62 titles. The Mexican American population is more susceptible to diabetes mellitus due to a number of risk factors. The earliest recorded treatments for diabetes mellitus involved the use of natural plants. Opuntia species are any member of the genus Opuntia of Cactus family and who are native to the Western Hemisphere. In order to determine the efficacy of Opuntia species as a hypoglycemic agent in non-insulin dependent diabetics, a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the identified studies. In addition, insulin and the presence of a dose-response relationship upon ingestion of Opuntia were investigated. A statistically significant reduction in serum glucose was found after the ingestion of 500 grams of Opuntia species. Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanism of hypoglycemic action and to further investigate the properties of Opuntia species.Item Risk for Stroke Among Migraine Sufferers(2001-05-01) Hall, Rebecca G.; Antonio Rene; Manuel BayonaHall, Rebecca G., Risk for Stroke Among Migraine Sufferers. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May, 2000, 27 pp., 9 tables, references, 33 titles. The objective of this study was to investigate, using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), whether those who suffer from migraine or severe headache do. Odds ratios were calculated for stroke among migraine sufferers compared to those who do not suffer from migraine. Results were adjusted for age, gender, and race. Risk factors for stroke were also analyzed. The crude odds ratio for stroke among migraine sufferers compared to non-migraine sufferers is 2.17, increasing 3.77 with age-adjustment. These results suggest that vascular events that are associated with migraine may also be associated with an increased risk for stroke. Discovering the mechanism that generates this relationship has widespread implication to the population and may save taxpayers billions of dollars annually be leading to better treatments for and possible prevention of migraine.Item Risk of venous thromboembolism in knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis: a general population-based cohort study(2020-09-16) Zeng, Chao; Bennell, Kim; Yang, Zidan; Nguyen, Uyen-Sa D. T.; Lu, Na; Wei, Jie; Lei, Guanghua; Zhang, YuqingOBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of immobility and joint replacement, two strong risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to examine the relation of knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis to the risk of VTE and investigate joint replacement as a potential mediator. METHODS: We conducted three cohort studies using data from The Health Improvement Network. Up to five individuals without osteoarthritis were matched to each case of incident knee (n=20 696), hip (n=10 411) or hand (n=6329) osteoarthritis by age, sex, entry time and body mass index. We examined the relation of osteoarthritis to VTE (pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis) using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: VTE developed in 327 individuals with knee osteoarthritis and 951 individuals without osteoarthritis (2.7 vs 2.0 per 1000 person-years), with multivariable-adjusted HR being 1.38 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.56). The indirect effect (HR) of knee osteoarthritis on VTE through knee replacement was 1.07 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.15), explaining 24.8% of its total effect on VTE. Risk of VTE was higher in hip osteoarthritis than non-osteoarthritis (3.3 vs 1.8 per 1000 person-years; multivariable-adjusted HR=1.83, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.13). The indirect effect through hip replacement yielded an HR of 1.14 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.25), explaining 28.1% of the total effect. No statistically significant difference in VTE risk was observed between hand osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis (1.5 vs 1.6 per 1000 person-years; multivariable-adjusted HR=0.88, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.16). CONCLUSION: Our large population-based cohort study provides the first evidence that knee or hip osteoarthritis, but not hand osteoarthritis, was associated with an increased risk of VTE, and such an association was partially mediated through knee or hip replacement.Item Sexual Identity and Allostatic Load(2008-05-01) Adams, John; Kathryn Cardarelli; Jim Stimpson; Fang Fang ZhangAdams, John P., Allostatic Load and Sexual Identity. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May 2008, 86pp., 4 tables, 1 figure, bibliography, 32 titles. It is proposed that health disparities manifest in non-heterosexuals via stress experienced due to discrimination. To test this, allostatic load (conceptualized as stress-induced cumulative biological dysregulation) was compared when heterosexuals and non-heterosexuals by utilizing biomarker data from the 2001-2004 iterations of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Propensity score matching was implemented to increase group comparability and the association was reevaluated. Before and after propensity score matching there was no statistically significant association between sexual identity and having an allostatic load score (odds ratio=1.202 95% confidence interval (0.663, 2.181) and 1.299 (0.638, 2.646), respectively); however, differences were found in HDL cholesterol and glycohemoglobin profiles. Allostatic load may be an inappropriate measure for non-heterosexuals as more sensitive biomarkers may be needed.Item The human toll and humanitarian crisis of the Russia-Ukraine war: the first 162 days(BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 2022-09-28) Haque, Ubydul; Naeem, Amna; Wang, Shanshan; Espinoza, Juan; Holovanova, Irina; Gutor, Taras; Bazyka, Dimitry; Galindo, Rebeca; Sharma, Sadikshya; Kaidashev, Igor P.; Chumachenko, Dmytro; Linnikov, Syvatoslav; Annan, Esther; Lubinda, Jailos; Korol, Natalya; Bazyka, Kostyantyn; Zhyvotovska, Liliia; Zimenkovsky, Andriy; Nguyen, Uyen-Sa D.T.BACKGROUND: We examined the human toll and subsequent humanitarian crisis resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. METHOD: We extracted and analysed data resulting from Russian military attacks on Ukrainians between 24 February and 4 August 2022. The data tracked direct deaths and injuries, damage to healthcare infrastructure and the impact on health, the destruction of residences, infrastructure, communication systems, and utility services - all of which disrupted the lives of Ukrainians. RESULTS: As of 4 August 2022, 5552 civilians were killed outright and 8513 injured in Ukraine as a result of Russian attacks. Local officials estimate as many as 24 328 people were also killed in mass atrocities, with Mariupol being the largest (n=22 000) such example. Aside from wide swaths of homes, schools, roads, and bridges destroyed, hospitals and health facilities from 21 cities across Ukraine came under attack. The disruption to water, gas, electricity, and internet services also extended to affect supplies of medications and other supplies owing to destroyed facilities or production that ceased due to the war. The data also show that Ukraine saw an increase in cases of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Coronavirus (COVID-19). CONCLUSIONS: The 2022 Russia-Ukraine War not only resulted in deaths and injuries but also impacted the lives and safety of Ukrainians through destruction of healthcare facilities and disrupted delivery of healthcare and supplies. The war is an ongoing humanitarian crisis given the continuing destruction of infrastructure and services that directly impact the well-being of human lives. The devastation, trauma and human cost of war will impact generations of Ukrainians to come.Item δ-2 Opioid receptor plasticity and GM-1(2005-05-01) Davis, Shavsa; Caffrey, James; Mallet, Robert T.; Singh, Meharvanδ-2 Opioid receptor plasticity and GM-1. Shavsha Davis, Masters of Science (Biomedical Sciences), May 2005, 56 pp, 3 tables, 10 figures. The native cardiac enkephalin, methionine-enkephalin-arginine-phenylalanine (MEAP) altered vagally induced bradycardia when introduced into the sinoatrial (SA) node by microdialysis. The responses to MEAP were bimodal in character with lower doses enhancing bradycardia while higher doses suppressed bradycardia. The opposing vagotonic and vagolytic effects were mediated respectively by δ-1 and δ-2-subtypes of the same δ-opioid receptor. The opposing responses were blocked by sub-type specific antagonists. When the mixed agonist, MEAP was evaluated after treatment with the monosialosyl ganglioside, GM-1, the δ-1-mediated vagotonic response was enhanced and the δ-2 mediated vagolytic response independent of a coincident increase in competing the δ-1-mediated vagotonic activity. The selective δ-2-agonist deltorphin was introduced into the SA node by microdialysis to evaluate initial δ-2-vagolytic responses. The right vagus nerve was stimulated and the expected decline in heart rate was significantly attenuated by deltorphin. GM-1 was then perfused into the nodal interstitium for one hour without a significant change in vagal transmission. Following GM-1, deltorphin was reintroduced and a clear attenuation of the deltorphin’s vagolytic response was observed. Similar results were obtained in time controls when GM-1 was omitted. In both cases the δ-1 selective antagonist 7-benzylidenaltrexone (BNTX) failed to restore the vagolytic response when added afterward. However when added to the time controls early in the protocol, BNTX completely prevented the loss in the vagolytic response. When both the intial deltorphin and GM-1 were omitted the vagolytic response was significantly improved. In summary, the initial study with the mixed agonist, MEAP suggested that GM-1 reduced the δ-2-vagolytic response. This was confirmed when the relatively selective δ-2-agonist, deltorphin, was substituted for MEAP. Subsequent protocols suggested that deltorphin and GM-1 produced qualitatively similar losses in the vagolytic response that were not restored by subsequent δ-1-receptor blockade. Thus, the attenuation of the δ-2 response was not due to the addition of completing δ-1-mediated vagotonic activity. The elimination of the deltorphin mediated attrition of the δ-2 response by the BNTX indicated that the declining response was mediated by δ-1-receptors. Thus GM-1, deltorphin, and time all interact to modify subsequent δ-2-mediated vagolytic responses. The specific contribution of deltorphin in this process was mediated by the activation of δ-1-receptors. Whether deltorphin has intrinsic δ-1 activity or causes the release of an endogenous δ-1 agonist is unclear. The specific mechanism by which the δ-1 and δ-2 opioid receptors interact likewise remains to be determined.