31 research outputs found
Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Population-Based Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents an important public health problem with a prevalence between 1.3% and 12.5%. Several population-based randomized trials have evaluated ultrasound screening for AAA providing evidence of a reduction in aneurysm-related mortality in the screened population. The aim of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors for AAA. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies and we performed a meta-analysis that evaluated the following risk factors: gender, smoking habits, hypertension, coronary artery disease and family history of AAA. Respect to a previous a meta-analysis we added the funnel plot to examine the effect sizes estimated from individual studies as measure of their precision; sensitivity analysis to check the stability of study findings and estimate how the overall effect size would be modified by removal of one study; cumulative analysis to evaluate the trend between studies in relation to publication year. Abdominal aortic aneurysm prevalence is higher in smokers and in males. On the other hand, while diabetes is a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, it is not a risk factor for AAA. In addition, it is important to underline that all countries, where AAA screening was set up, had high income level and the majority belong to Western Europe (United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Spain and Belgium). Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is fundamental for public health. It could avoid deaths, ruptures, and emergency surgical interventions if abdominal aortic aneurysm was diagnosed early in the population target for screening
Differences in colorectal cancer surveillance epidemiology and screening in the WHO european region
No full textThe aim of this study was to describe the Colorectal Cancer (CRC) burden and prevention actions in 53 countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region (ER). Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to examine the association among the following variables: Measures of occurrence; type of screening programme; existence of cancer registries; data quality and; and gross national income (GNI) level. The study demonstrated clear differences according to GNI: low-middle income (LMI) countries show low mortality rates and unorganized screening programme; upper-middle income (UMI) countries show no test offered, incomplete or absent data mortality, and low quality of the method used to estimate incidence and mortality rates; high income (HI) countries show high mortality rates, test offered (FOBT and colonoscopy), the existence of a national registry, screening population-based, insurance of payment policy, and high quality of the method used to estimate incidence and mortality rates. HI countries reflect a strong interest in epidemiological monitoring and produce accurate indicators of disease occurrence. On the other hand, surveillance strategies need to be improved in UMI and LMI countries: As national vital statistics are unavailable, partial or inaccurate, the coverage and completeness of the mortality data are frequently poor, there is a less efficient general organization. In conclusion, it is important to underline that the resources available (as measured by GNI) appear to be major factors in the Colorectal Cancer Surveillance Epidemiology and Screening in the WHO European Region
A iconicidade no discurso do profeta Gentileza
No full textAnalisamos a iconicidade no discurso do Profeta Gentileza, com foco na observação da estrutura linguística de 56 textos-murais produzidos pelo autor entre as décadas de 80 e 90. Verificamos que o princípio da iconicidade pode ser aplicado na análise do corpus, partindo do pressuposto de que a estrutura linguística é motivada e sancionada por fatores pragmático-discursivos que atuam nas escolhas do Profeta para a organização de sua obra. Estabelecemos um diálogo entre os textos não verbal e verbal, investigando o uso de estruturas rotinizadas e interpretando-as por meio do princípio da iconicidade em seu duplo aspecto: imagético e diagramático. E assim, demonstramos que as estruturas cromática e verbal são influenciadas por fatores contextuais. Dentre esses fatores, estão a influência do domínio discursivo da religião e os aspectos propagandísticos atinentes à atividade discursiva de um profeta. Propomos que padrões linguísticos organizados em estruturas paratáticas são mais funcionais aos propósitos pragmáticos do autor. A pesquisa descritiva, de cunho qualitativo, com referências quantitativas, segue as orientações teóricas da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso, de Traugott e Trousdale (2013) e Bybee (2010); os pressupostos teóricos sobre a iconicidade, de Givón (1984) e de Fischer e Nänny (1999); as investigações de Guimarães (2000; 2003) sobre o uso das cores como informação; as propostas de Matthiessen e Thompson (1988) sobre as unidades retóricas; e o processo de combinação de orações, segundo Halliday (1985), Lehmann (1988) e Hopper e Traugott (1993)In this research, we analyze the iconicity in the speech of the Prophet Gentileza, focusing on the observation of linguistic structure of 56 texts, printed on murals, produced by the author between the decades 80 and 90. We check if the principle of iconicity can be applied to the corpus analysis, on the assumption that linguistic structure is motivated and sanctioned by pragmatic-discursive factors that act in the Prophet's choices for the organization of his work. We establish a dialogue between the non-verbal and verbal texts, investigating the use of routinized structures and interpreting them through the principle of iconicity in its dual aspect: imagery and diagrammatic. So, we demonstrate that the chromatic and verbal structures are influenced by contextual factors. Among these factors, are the influences of the discursive domain of religion and publicity aspects, linked to the discursive activity of a prophet. We propose that linguistic patterns organized into paratatics structures are more functional for the pragmatic purposes of the author. The descriptive research of qualitative nature, using quantitative references, follows the theoretical orientations of Usage-Based Linguistics, Traugott and Trousdale (2013) and Bybee (2010); the theoretical assumptions about the iconicity of Givón (1984) and Fischer and Nanny (1999); the investigations of Guimarães (2000; 2003) about the use of color as information; the proposals of Matthiessen and Thompson (1988) about the rhetorical units; and the combination process of clauses according Halliday (1985), Lehmann (1988) and Hopper and Traugott (1993)120 f
A iconicidade no discurso do profeta Gentileza
No full textAnalisamos a iconicidade no discurso do Profeta Gentileza, com foco na observação da estrutura linguística de 56 textos-murais produzidos pelo autor entre as décadas de 80 e 90. Verificamos que o princípio da iconicidade pode ser aplicado na análise do corpus, partindo do pressuposto de que a estrutura linguística é motivada e sancionada por fatores pragmático-discursivos que atuam nas escolhas do Profeta para a organização de sua obra. Estabelecemos um diálogo entre os textos não verbal e verbal, investigando o uso de estruturas rotinizadas e interpretando-as por meio do princípio da iconicidade em seu duplo aspecto: imagético e diagramático. E assim, demonstramos que as estruturas cromática e verbal são influenciadas por fatores contextuais. Dentre esses fatores, estão a influência do domínio discursivo da religião e os aspectos propagandísticos atinentes à atividade discursiva de um profeta. Propomos que padrões linguísticos organizados em estruturas paratáticas são mais funcionais aos propósitos pragmáticos do autor. A pesquisa descritiva, de cunho qualitativo, com referências quantitativas, segue as orientações teóricas da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso, de Traugott e Trousdale (2013) e Bybee (2010); os pressupostos teóricos sobre a iconicidade, de Givón (1984) e de Fischer e Nänny (1999); as investigações de Guimarães (2000; 2003) sobre o uso das cores como informação; as propostas de Matthiessen e Thompson (1988) sobre as unidades retóricas; e o processo de combinação de orações, segundo Halliday (1985), Lehmann (1988) e Hopper e Traugott (1993)In this research, we analyze the iconicity in the speech of the Prophet Gentileza, focusing on the observation of linguistic structure of 56 texts, printed on murals, produced by the author between the decades 80 and 90. We check if the principle of iconicity can be applied to the corpus analysis, on the assumption that linguistic structure is motivated and sanctioned by pragmatic-discursive factors that act in the Prophet's choices for the organization of his work. We establish a dialogue between the non-verbal and verbal texts, investigating the use of routinized structures and interpreting them through the principle of iconicity in its dual aspect: imagery and diagrammatic. So, we demonstrate that the chromatic and verbal structures are influenced by contextual factors. Among these factors, are the influences of the discursive domain of religion and publicity aspects, linked to the discursive activity of a prophet. We propose that linguistic patterns organized into paratatics structures are more functional for the pragmatic purposes of the author. The descriptive research of qualitative nature, using quantitative references, follows the theoretical orientations of Usage-Based Linguistics, Traugott and Trousdale (2013) and Bybee (2010); the theoretical assumptions about the iconicity of Givón (1984) and Fischer and Nanny (1999); the investigations of Guimarães (2000; 2003) about the use of color as information; the proposals of Matthiessen and Thompson (1988) about the rhetorical units; and the combination process of clauses according Halliday (1985), Lehmann (1988) and Hopper and Traugott (1993)123 f
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and National Diabetes Care Systems in European Countries
No full textBackground. Diabetes is increasing by 3.09% per year in males and 1.92% in females. Lifestyle risk factors are related to diabetes. The aim of this work is to highlight within EU-28 countries the distribution percentages of some lifestyle risk factors and some components of diabetes health care. Methods. A literature search was conducted to highlight the presence of diabetes registries, which are fundamental tools for disease surveillance and health planning; the presence of a national diabetes plan (NDP); the care setting; and methods used for reimbursement of drugs, devices, and coverage of any comorbidities associated with diabetes. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was carried out to evaluate the possible associations between the variables considered. Results. The highest percentages of diabetes (>10%) are registered in Bulgaria, Malta, and Hungary. Concerning the prevalence of overweight, no European country shows overall percentages of less than 50%. Regarding obesity, 57% of countries show prevalence rates of 25%. The record for physical inactivity belongs to Malta, with 45% of individuals being inactive. The percentage of physical inactivity for females is higher than for males across Europe. In total, 57% of the countries have an insurance-based health system, while 12 countries have public national health systems. Further, 57% of countries have an NDP, while 42% of the EU countries have established a prevalence register for diabetes. Conclusions. Prevalence rates for type 2 DM in the range of 8–9% are noted in 50% of EU-28 countries. In total, 21 out of EU countries show a high prevalence rate for overweight, while 7% of EU-28 countries have an obesity prevalence rate of 25%. Diabetes treatment is entrusted to general practitioners in most countries. The results of this work highlight the differences between countries, but also between genders
HPV‐vaccination and cancer cervical screening in 53 WHO European Countries: An update on prevention programs according to income level
No full textAbstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. The aim of our study is to describe the differences in HPV‐vaccination coverage and screening programs in WHO European Countries notably according to income levels. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to examine the association among the following variables: Gross National Income (GNI) levels (Lower‐Middle Income, LMI; Upper‐Middle Income, UMI; and High Income, HI); type of CC screening program (coverage; opportunistic/organized); vaccination payment policies (free or partial or total charge); mortality rates/100 000 (≤3; >3‐6; >6‐9; >9); incidence rates/100 000 (≤7; >7‐15; >15‐21; >21). Data HPV‐vaccination start (years) (2006‐2008; 2009‐2011; 2012‐2014; >2014; no program); coverage HPV‐vaccination percentage (≤25; 26‐50; 51‐75; >75); data screening start (years) (2000); primary screening test (HPV, cytology), and screening coverage percentage (≤25; >25‐50; >50‐75; >75). A high income is associated with: start of screening before 1960, medium‐high screening coverage, organized screening, start of vaccination in the periods 2009‐2011 and 2012‐2014 and high immunization coverage. On the other hand, lower‐middle income is associated with: late start of vaccination and screening programs with cytology as primary test, high mortality and incidence rates and lower‐medium vaccination coverage. Our results show a useful scenario for crucial support to public health decision‐makers. Public health authorities should monitor the HPV‐vaccinated population in order to determine more precisely the effects on short‐ and long‐term incidence and mortality rates. In fact, the greater the vaccination coverage, the greater will be the efficacy of the program for the prevention of CC and other HPV‐related diseases
Low HtrA1 expression in patients with long‐standing ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer
No full textThe association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is being increasingly investigated. HtrA1 overexpression inhibits cell growth and proliferation by influencing apoptosis, invasiveness and migration of tumour cells. In the present study, HtrA1 expression was analysed in 228 colon tissue samples from patients with CRC, adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (AHD), adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (ALD), ulcerative colitis of >10 year duration (UCL), ulcerative colitis of <5 year duration (UCS) and colonic diverticulitis (D), and was compared with its expression in normal colon tissues (NCTs) collected 5 cm from the CRC lesion and in healthy colon mucosa (HC), to establish whether HtrA1 can serve as a biomarker for these conditions. All tissue specimens came from Italian Caucasian subjects. The main finding of the present study was that HtrA1 expression was significantly reduced in CRC and UCL tissues compared with that observed in both NCT and HC samples and with tissues from the other patients. In particular, a similar HtrA1 expression was detected in the stromal compartment of UCL and CRC samples. In contrast, the HtrA1 level was significantly lower (p=0.0008) in UCL compared with UCS tissues, suggesting an inverse relationship between HtrA1 expression and ulcerative colitis duration. HtrA1 immunostaining in the stromal compartment of AHD and ALD tissues showed no differences compared with the HC tissues. No data are available on the immunohistochemical localization of HtrA1 in CRC or IBD. The present findings suggest that HtrA1 could serve as a marker to identify UCL patients at high risk of developing CRC
El Profeta del Islam, según el P. Traggia: Una evolución católica de fines del XVIII.
No full text The Carmelite F. Manuel Traggia (Manuel de Santo Tomás de Aquino), writer and politician in the 18-19th centuries, an Aragonese who lived in Valencia, is the author of an islamology book that reflects both traditional apolegetic catholic topics in the subject and new french topics, in the new socio-religious coordinates of the age. Plentiful bibliography about the hispano-islamic relations of the age, especially of the guest of honour Braulio Justel. El carmelita P. Manuel Traggia (Manuel de Santo Tomás de Aquino), escritor y político del s. XVIII-XIX, aragonés instalado en Valencia, es autor de un libro de islamología que refleja tanto corrientes apologéticas católicas tradicionales en el tema como nuevas corrientes de origen francés, en nuevas coordenadas socio-religiosas de la época. Abundante bibliografía de las relacio nes hispano-islámicas de la época, especialmente del homenajeado Braulio Justel
Tax morale, eastern Europe and European enlargement
No full textThis study tries to remedy the current lack of tax compliance research analyzing tax morale in 10 Eastern European countries that joined the European Union in 2004 or 2007. By exploring tax morale differences between 1999 and 2008, it shows that tax morale has decreased in 7 out of 10 Eastern European countries. This lack of sustainability may support the incentive based conditionality hypothesis that the European Union only has a limited ability to influence tax morale over time. The author observes that events and processes at the country level are crucial to understanding tax morale. Factors such as perceived government quality and trust in the justice system and the government are positively correlated with tax morale in 2008.Taxation&Subsidies,Debt Markets,Subnational Economic Development,Emerging Markets,National Governance
The Codex of Roda Note on Bishop Osius and Monk Ozim
No full textEl propósito de este estudio es comentar desde diferentes puntos de vista la nota sobre el obispo Osio y el monje Ozim (Tultusceptrum de libro domini Metobii) contenida en el códice de Roda (Madrid, Real Academia de la Historia 78, f. 185v). Se señala especialmente su relación con otros textos hispanos de polémica contra el islam, el origen y sentido de la tradición que vincula al profeta Muḥammad con el obispo Osio y la pervivencia de esta leyenda en la posteridad. Se concluye que el texto debe entenderse ante todo como un apólogo que previene a los cristianos sobre los efectos del rito de conversión al islam.The aim of this paper is to comment from different points of view the note on the bishop Osius and the monk Ozim (Tultusceptrum de libro domini Metobii) transmitted by the codex Madrid, Real Academia de la Historia 78, f. 185v. It is noted especially its relation to other Hispanic texts of controversy against islam, the origin of tradition linking the prophet Muḥammad with the bishop Osius, and the survival of this legend in posterity. The author concludes that text should be understood primarily as a fable intended to wam the Christians about the effects of the rite of conversion to Islam
