Sun-related behaviors among individuals previously diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer.

Compared to the general population, the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer is considerably higher among individuals with a previous history of this condition. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary evidence-based approach for minimizing this risk. This review was aimed to assess the prevalence of sun-safe behaviors in non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. Searches were conducted in six electronic databases including PubMed, Psyclnfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC and Science Direct. A narrative approach was adopted to synthesize the data. The fi ndings demonstrated that respondents do not protect themselves optimally from UV radiation exposure. Low levels of perceived skin cancer risk, a lack of knowledge about effective sun protection strategies and the inconvenience associated with sun-safe behaviors appear to explain this fi nding. A note of caution is required here, as there is a potential for publication bias. Moreover, the results of this study cannot be generalized to all non-melanoma skin cancer patients. Skin cancer survivors must be educated about their increased risk of future skin cancers. Behavioral interventions must be developed to increase the adoption of skin protective behaviors in this high-risk population group.

Altered Transendothelial Transport of Hormones as a Contributor to Diabetes

The vascular endothelium is a dynamic structure responsible for the separation and regulated movement of biological material between circulation and interstitial fluid. Hormones and nutrients can move across the endothelium either via a transcellular or paracellular route. Transcellular endothelial transport is well understood and broadly acknowledged to play an important role in the normal and abnormal physiology of endothelial function. However, less is known about the role of the paracellular route. Although the concept of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes is now widely accepted, we suggest that alterations in paracellular transport should be studied in greater detail and incorporated into this model. In this review we provide an overview of endothelial paracellular permeability and discuss its potential importance in contributing to the development of diabetes and associated complications. Accordingly, we also contend that if better understood, altered endothelial paracellular permeability could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in menopausal Jamaican black women after hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy: an observational study / Factores de riesgo de la enfermedad cardiovascular en mujeres negras jamaicanas en la menopausia tras histerectomía y ooforectomía bilateral: un estudio observacional

OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in prevalence of cardiovascular risks and diseases in black Jamaican postmenopausal women who had hysterectomy (hysgroup) compared with those without (control). METHOD: Eight hundred and nine (809) women (hysterectomized (HYSGRP) = 403; non-hysterectomized (controls) = 406) were enrolled. Sociodemographic information and lifestyle history, measured blood pressure, waist hip ratio, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, total and HDL cholesterol were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 809 women, complete cardiovascular risk data were available in 341 controls and 328 in the HYSGRP group. There was no difference in mean age, blood pressure and body mass indices between the subjects excluded and the subjects in the data analytical sample. A significantly lower proportion ofwomen in the control group exercised, attained post-secondary education and were of higher parity. Systolic (mean difference with 95% CI; 6 (3, 9) mmHg and diastolic (3 (1, 5) mmHg) blood pressure were lower in the HYSGRP compared with controls but total cholesterol (0.2 (0.07 to 0.4) mmol/L was greater. HDL cholesterol was not different between both groups 1.3 mmol/L (SD 0.3) vs 1.3 mmol/L [SD 0.4] (p = 0.8435). There was no difference in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and high waist-hip ratio in hysterectomized women compared with controls adjusting for hormone replacement therapy usage, cigarette smoking, exercise and educational status. Within the HYSGRP, there was also no difference in cardiovascular disease or risk in women who had bilateral oophorectomy compared with women who had at least an ovary preserved at time ofoperation. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This must be taken cautiously since data did not allow for analysis on duration of menopause.

OBJETIVO: Determinar las diferencias en la prevalencia de riesgos y enfermedades cardiovasculares en mujeres negras jamaicanas menopáusicas con histerectomía, en comparación con las que no tuvieron esta operación (control). MÉTODO: Se enrolaron ochocientas nueve (809) mujeres (histerectomizadas (HYSGRP) = 403; no histerectomizadas (controles) = 406). Se obtuvo información sobre datos demográficos e historia del estilo de vida, mediciones de la presión arterial, índice cintura/cadera, glucemia en ayunas, así como el colesterol total y HDL. RESULTADOS: De 809 mujeres, había disponible datos completos sobre el riesgo cardiovascular en 341 controles, y 328 en el grupo HYSGRP. No hubo diferencias significativas en relación con la edad promedio, la presión arterial, y el índice de masa corporal entre los sujetos excluidos y los sujetos en las muestras del análisis de datos. Una proporción significativamente menor de mujeres en el grupo de control practicado, tuvo educación post-secundaria y fueron de paridad más alta. La presión arterial sistólica (diferencia promedio con 95% CI; 6 (3 a 9 mmHg)) y la presión arterial diastólica (3 (1 a 5 mmHg)) fueron más bajas en el grupo de la histerectomía HYSGRP en comparación con el grupo de control, pero el colesterol (0.2 (0.07 a 0.4)) fue mayor. El colesterol HDL no fue diferente entre los dos grupos: 1.3 mmol/L (SD 0.3) frente a 1.3 mmol/L [SD 0.4] (p = 0.8435). No hubo diferencia en cuanto a laprevalencia de la diabetes, la hipertensión, y el alto índice cintura/cadera en las mujeres histerectomizadas, en comparación con los controles ajustándose en relación con el uso de la terapia de reemplazo hormonal, el hábito defumar, el ejercicio, y el nivel educacional. Dentro del grupo HYSGRP tampoco hubo diferencias con respecto a las enfermedades cardiovasculares o riesgos en mujeres operadas de ooforectomía bilateral, en comparación con las mujeres a las que se les preservó por lo menos un ovario en el momento de la operación. CONCLUSIÓN: La histerectomía no estuvo asociada con un aumento de riesgo de la enfermedad cardiovascular. No obstante, esta conclusión debe tomarse con cautela, ya que los datos no permitieron el análisis en el período de duración de la menopausia.

Venous thromboembolism in Jamaican women: experience in a university hospital in Kingston / Tromboembolismo venoso en mujeres jamaicanas: experiencia en un hospital universitario en Kingston

OBJECTIVE: To review cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) at UHWI from 1999-2004, to identify methods of diagnosis, risk factors and to evaluate differences between survivors and fatalities. METHODS: Patients coded with the diagnosis of thromboembolism at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) from 1999-2004 were identified. The medical records were reviewed to determine the prevalence of thromboembolism and possible variables associated with this diagnosis. In addition, variables associated with fatality were examined by evaluating cases diagnosed at autopsy. RESULTS: There were 959 patients coded for thromboembolism between 1999-2004 at UHWI. Of these, 657 (68.5%) were females and 302 were males (31.5%). During that period, 65 657 women and 40 826 men were admitted to hospital with prevalence rates for thromboembolism of 1% in women and 0.7% in men. Of the 657 females, 520 case notes were located (case identification 80%). Of this, 435 were analysed as confirmed thromboembolism. The median age was 51 years with a range of 2-95 years. Common associations were obesity, 53.5%; age over 50 years, 52.5%; hypertension, 44.7%; immobilisation, 36.3%; cardiac disease, 26%; diabetes, 19.4%; fibroids, 16.3%; surgery, 15.8% and cancer 14%. Recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 12.8% and 15.8 % of women (66) died, diagnosed with PE at post-mortem. Using logistic regression analysis, leading risk factors in fatalities compared to survivors were hypertension and increased age. Obesity and surgery were significantly more likely in survivors. CONCLUSION: Venous thromboembolism was common in this cohort of women and avoidance of risk factors and institution of prophylaxis in high risk women is important to decrease morbidity and mortality.

OBJETIVO: Examinar los casos de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) en el HUWI desde 1999 a 2004, a fin de identificar los métodos de diagnosis y factores de riesgo, y evaluar las diferencias entre sobrevivientes y casos fatales. MÉTODOS: Se identificó a los pacientes codificados con el diagnóstico de tromboembolismo en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies (HUWI) de 1999 hasta 2004. Se revisaron las historias clínicas para determinar la prevalencia de tromboembolismo y las variantes posibles asociadas con este diagnóstico. Además, examinamos las variables asociadas con la fatalidad, evaluando los casos diagnosticados mediante autopsia. RESULTADOS: Hubo 959 pacientes codificados por tromboembolismo entre 1999-2004 en el HUWI. De estos 657 (68.5%) eran mujeres y 302 eran hombres, 31.5%. Durante ese período, 65 657 mujeres y 40 826 hombres fueron admitidos con tasas de prevalencia de tromboembolismo de 1% en las mujeres y 0.7% en los hombres. De las 657 mujeres, localizamos 520 notas de casos (80% de identificación de casos). De estas, 435 fueron analizadas como tromboembolismos confirmados. La edad promedio fue de 51 años y un rango de 2-95 años. Las asociaciones comunes fueron: obesidad (53.5%), edad mayor de 50 años (52.5%), hipertensión (44.7%), inmovilización (36.3%), enfermedad cardíaca (26%), diabetes (19.4%), fibromas (16.3%), cirugía (15.8%), y cáncer (14%). El tromboembolismo venoso recurrente ocurrió en un 12.8%, y murieron 66 (15.8%) mujeres, diagnosticadas post-mortem con EP. Utilizando un análisis de regresión logística, se halló que los principales factores de riesgo en los casos fatales comparados con los de los supervivientes, fueron la hipertensión y los años de edad. La probabilidad de obesidad y cirugía fue significativamente más alta en los sobrevivientes. CONCLUSIÓN: El tromboembolismo venoso fue común en esta cohorte de mujeres, y para disminuir la morbilidad y la mortalidad, es importante evitar los factores de riesgo e instituir la profilaxis para las mujeres expuestas a ellos.

Quase adulta, quase velha: por que antecipar as fases do ciclo-vital? / Quasi adult, quasi old: why anticipate life cycle phases?

A partir de duas observaçöes em geraçöes diferentes, identifica-se um fenômeno de antecipaçäo da passagem pelas fases do ciclo vital que merece uma interpretaçäo. Muitas jovens engravidam, casando ou näo, e se tornam mäes. Muitas mulheres na faixa de quarenta e cinco a cinqüenta anos ingressam em "grupos de idosos". A interpretaçäo oferecida examina as consequências 1) da transiçäo demográfica (e decorrente envelhecimento populacional) em dar visibilidade especial a estas geraçöes examinadas, 2) do mercado de trabalho que é excludente, 3) da atuaçäo do Estado, 4) do individualismo crescente e 5) da lógica das relaçöes de geraçäo e gênero em grupos domésticos. Para explicar as açöes das quase adultas e das quase velhas que antecipam as fases do ciclo vital, recorre-se à conjunçäo destes fatores que culmina numa criaçäo de uma condiçäo de liminaridade geracional, própria dos ritos de passagem, e na construçäo de processos de desritualizaçäo e re-ritualizaçäo da sociedade contemporânea.

Bronchial asthma deaths in Jamaica

Many countries have reported an increase in the death rate from bronchial asthma. Evaluation of the situation in Jamaica was undertaken to see if the trend is similar to that reported from elsewhere by analysing deaths for the period 1980 to 1989. There was an increase in the death rate during the period studied, most marked in females in rural areas. Most of the deaths occurred outside medical facilities. The reasons for these trends are not clear.