Preventable Factors Research Articles

Hepatocellular carcinoma: A 30-year trend analysis of global burden stratified by risk factors, and socio-demographic indexes.

529 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, driven primarily by chronic infections with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alcohol consumption. This study systematically examines global trends of HCC from 1991 to 2021, focusing on age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) according to risk factors across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions. By highlighting these patterns, the study provides insights into the interplay of socio-economic disparities and healthcare advancements on HCC trends. Methods: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease database to extract ASMR, and age standardized DALYs for HCC between 1991 and 2021. The data was stratified by etiology (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, alcohol consumption) and stratified across five SDI regions: low, low-middle, middle, high-middle, and high SDI. Results: The global HCC ASMR decreased by 4% from 1991 to 2021, with the largest reduction (20.4%) in low SDI regions. Hepatitis B-related HCC ASMR dropped by 16.3%, with reductions across all SDI groups. ASMR of Hepatitis C-related HCC remained stable globally but fell by 15.1% in low SDI regions. Alcohol-related HCC ASMR increased by 10% globally, with the highest rise in high SDI regions (24.5%), and NASH-related HCC ASMR increased by 26.7% globally, with a 42% rise in high SDI regions. Hepatitis B-related HCC DALYs decreased by 22.2%, with the sharpest declines recorded in high (31.4%) and low SDI regions (29%). Hepatitis C-related HCC DALYs saw a 8.8% global reduction, which was consistent across all groups. Alcohol-related HCC DALYs rose by 4.6% globally, with increases of 14.4% in high SDI and 20.5% in low-middle SDI regions. NASH-related HCC DALYs increased by 18.7%, with a 34.7% rise in low-middle SDI regions. Conclusions: The study reveals substantial progress in reducing the global burden of Hepatitis B- and C-related HCC, particularly in low SDI regions. This progress likely reflects advances in vaccination, antiviral treatments, and screening programs. However, the rising mortality and disability associated with alcohol- and NASH-related HCC, especially in high SDI regions, emphasize the growing impact of lifestyle-related risk factors. These findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies to mitigate the increasing effects of these preventable risk factors on global HCC outcomes.

Prognostic utility of assessing ventricular-arterial coupling in arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

The assessment of myocardial function and its coupling with the arterial system, called ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC), is of paramount importance in many clinical fields, from arterial hypertension, which is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases and death, to heart failure. VAC has been the subject of studies for several decades both from an energetic cost and the impact it can exert on cardiovascular performance. Although more attention has been paid to the relationship between the left ventricle and the left arterial circuit in compromised hemodynamic stages, VAC has aroused interest in many other aspects of study, from its application in pathologies of the right sections of the heart to its clinical impact in prevention and cardiovascular risk factors. In this review we will focus on the importance of the hemodynamic data of the VAC in various clinical contexts and its possible applications in the future as a diagnostic and prognostic parameter in the cardiac clinic.

Extracellular vesicles in burn injury: roles, mechanisms, and applications

Abstract Burn injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and severe burns trigger many pathophysiological reactions, such as metabolic changes, distributive shock, and inflammatory responses, which are potentially devastating to patients. Burn wound management necessitates infection prevention, anti-inflammation, pain management, and growth factor management, but significant obstacles remain. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer vesicles secreted by various cell types, including mammalian cells, plant cells, and even prokaryotes, They are widely involved in various biological processes, such as cell survival, neovascularization, and immunomodulation. EVs are abundant in components that can play a significant role in different stages of wound repair and at different subcellular levels simultaneously by transporting various active contents, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Moreover, EVs are detectable in many biofluids of burn injury patients and are thus regarded as novel biomarkers for monitoring therapeutic response and predicting prognosis. This review summarizes the biological roles of EVs and their mechanisms of action in burn injury are summarized. The prospects and opportunities for the clinical application of EVs in burn wounds are also discussed. This review will stimulate and guide additional in-depth studies of EVs in burn wound repair, provide a new therapy for burn wounds, and provide a reference and guidance for applying EVs in clinical wound repair.

Change in Metabolic Markers and the Risk of Skin Cancer: Results from the Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands.

Skin-cancers are the most common cancers in Caucasians, and their incidence is rising. Although metabolic and anthropometric markers play a role in cancer development, the relationship of metabolic and anthropometric changes with skin-cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to examine possible associations between these changes and the risk of skin-cancer. Participants without prior skin-cancer history from the Northern-Netherlands representative of the general population were included. Histopathology data were obtained from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology-Database. Adjusted-Cox-regression analyzed associations between metabolic changes and time to pathology-confirmed skin-cancer incidence over a 7-year follow-up, assessing overall skin-cancer risk and subtypes, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin-cancer. Out of 97,106 participants, 4,195 (4.3%) developed skin-cancer. Body-mass-index (BMI) decrease and increase were both associated with lower skin-cancer risk: adjusted-hazard-ratios(aHR) of 0.88(0.80-0.98) and 0.78(0.72-0.86), respectively. Triglyceride and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)decreases were also associated with lower risk: aHR: 0.89(0.80-0.98) and 0.89(0.83-0.98), respectively. Increase in HbA1c was associated with higher risk in individuals under 45 years at baseline: aHR: 1.21(1.01-1.45). Subtype-analysis showed an increase in BMI was associated with lower melanoma risk: aHR: 0.72(0.58-0.91). Changes in BMI and decrease in triglycerides and WHR are related to lower skin-cancer risk, whereas increase in HbA1c may elevate risk in individuals younger than 45 at baseline. These findings highlight the importance of non-sunlight-related risk factors for skin-cancer prevention and the need for further research into underlying mechanisms. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how metabolic health impacts skin-cancer development, offering potential avenues for targeted prevention strategies.

An analysis of knowledge, attitudes, practice and influencing factors for tuberculosis prevention and control among Hainan University students

ObjectiveTo assess the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice pertaining to tuberculosis prevention among college students in Hainan Province, China, and to identify influential factors. The findings of this study are intended to provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of effective health education programs aimed at tuberculosis prevention and control.MethodsA convenient sampling method was employed to conduct a questionnaire-based survey among college students at a university in Hainan Province using the Wenjuanxing platform from January to February 2023. The survey evaluated students’ general information and their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding tuberculosis prevention and control. The scores of correct knowledge, attitude, and practice were compared based on students’ demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice related to tuberculosis prevention and control.ResultsA total of 280 questionnaires were distributed, of which 265 valid responses were collected, resulting in a valid response rate of 94.6%. The study found that medical students exhibited higher levels of correct knowledge, attitude, and practice compared to non-medical students (5.92 vs. 5.17, 3.17 vs. 2.57, 3.48 vs. 2.78, respectively). Moreover, students who had received tuberculosis education had higher correct scores compared to those who had not (5.92 vs. 5.31, 3.08 vs. 2.65, 3.31 vs. 2.93, respectively). Additionally, students in higher grades demonstrated higher scores in attitude. Three variables were found to influence students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice related to tuberculosis prevention and control, accounting for 33.4% of the explanatory power (F = 11.930; p < 0.001). Grade, major, and whether they had received tuberculosis education included.ConclusionThe study revealed a generally poor level of awareness among college students regarding tuberculosis prevention and control knowledge and the importance of regular physical exercise. Grade, major, and whether students had received tuberculosis education were identified as influencing factors. These factors should be prioritized in university tuberculosis education programs. Moreover, the implementation of physical education in schools is crucial in promoting students’ health.

Early Neuro-Deterioration and Mortality Among Neurology Inpatients in a Zambian Referral Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Neurocritical illnesses occur disproportionately in countries with limited health care capacity. Identifying risk factors of reversible neurodeterioration may improve care in resource-limited settings. We investigated whether early neurodeterioration (END) predicted inpatient mortality at a resource-limited Zambian hospital. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study from January to August 2023 of neurology inpatients at Zambia's national referral hospital. All inpatients older than 18 years were eligible for inclusion and monitored from admission to discharge in a clinical registry. END was defined as a drop in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) within 3 days of admission. We used linear regression to compare mortality between participants with and without END. We enrolled 500 participants. Two hundred ninety-five participants had GCS recorded more than once within 3 days of admission. END occurred in 53 participants (18%) and predicted increased mortality (72% vs 11%, odds ratio [OR] 18.98, 95% CI 7.74-46.51, p < 0.001), even after a single-point GCS drop (70%, OR 13.08, 95% CI 3.2-53.47, p < 0.001). Seizures were more frequent in participants with END (27% vs 12.5%, χ2 = 9.9, p = 0.002). The leading mortality drivers were aspiration pneumonia (34%) and sepsis (31%). END was common, associated with unfavorable outcomes, and frequently driven by preventable and/or treatable factors. Protocolized interventions for reversible complications may improve neurologic outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Multi-omics architecture of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction uncovers biological pathways and prenatal determinants

Childhood obesity poses a significant public health challenge, yet the molecular intricacies underlying its pathobiology remain elusive. Leveraging extensive multi-omics profiling (methylome, miRNome, transcriptome, proteins and metabolites) and a rich phenotypic characterization across two parts of Europe within the population-based Human Early Life Exposome project, we unravel the molecular landscape of childhood obesity and associated metabolic dysfunction. Our integrative analysis uncovers three clusters of children defined by specific multi-omics profiles, one of which characterized not only by higher adiposity but also by a high degree of metabolic complications. This high-risk cluster exhibits a complex interplay across many biological pathways, predominantly underscored by inflammation-related cascades. Further, by incorporating comprehensive information from the environmental risk-scape of the critical pregnancy period, we identify pre-pregnancy body mass index and environmental pollutants like perfluorooctanoate and mercury as important determinants of the high-risk cluster. Overall, our work helps to identify potential risk factors for prevention and intervention strategies early in the life course aimed at mitigating obesity and its long-term health consequences.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hypertension Among Bank Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common non-communicable medical conditions and the leading preventable risk factor for early mortality worldwide. As a result of their exposure to sedentary work and job strain, bank employees comprise an occupational group at risk for HTN. Due to the lack of previous research addressing this issue in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of HTN and its associated factors among bankers in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 bank employees. A self-administered questionnaire in the workplace was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors of participants, including smoking, physical activity, family history of HTN, and diabetes mellitus. Each participant's blood pressure, height, and weight were measured. Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess stress levels. Results: The prevalence of HTN in the participants was 28.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that being a smoker (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-3.25), diabetic (aOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.60-16.54), or obese (aOR = 5.49, 95% CI: 2.75-10.96); having a positive family history of HTN (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.36-4.51); and having a very high stress score (≥21; aOR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.04-10.11) were associated with an increased risk of HTN, while walking for 10 min continuously ≥7 times/week (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.64) was associated with a decreased risk of HTN. Conclusions: The findings revealed that almost one out of three bank employees had HTN. Periodic screening for early detection of HTN, as well as implementing health education and lifestyle modification programs, is recommended.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Based on Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits in Healthcare Workers: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW) are two multifactorial pathological conditions that have been increasing in prevalence worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate how various sociodemographic variables and healthy habits are associated with the presence or absence of MetS and HTW. Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a retrospective longitudinal study and a cross-sectional descriptive study, analyzing 44,939 healthcare workers with MS and HTW across four professional categories to evaluate the relationship between age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet using three diagnostic criteria. Descriptive analysis included categorical and quantitative variables, which were assessed through frequencies, Student's t-test, chi-square, and binary logistic regression models. Logistic regression and Cohen's kappa were used to evaluate associations and concordances. Age, sex, and lack of physical activity showed the strongest associations with MetS (OR: 2.65-2.84). The results highlight the importance of physical activity and other factors in metabolic prevention. Results: Age, sex, and physical activity were the variables most strongly associated with MetS and HTW across the three evaluated diagnostic criteria. The odds ratios revealed significant values: age (9.07-13.71 for MetS and 13.42 for HTW), sex (2.82-3.31 for MetS and 3.72 for HTW), and physical activity (2.65-2.84 for MetS and 2.40 for HTW). Conclusions: The risk of developing MetS and HTW among healthcare personnel is influenced by lifestyle habits, sex, and age, with the highest ORs observed in nursing assistants and orderlies. Future research that delves deeper into the causal relationship between lifestyle factors and the severity of MetS and HTW in healthcare personnel will improve understanding and facilitate the development of preventive activities to reduce their incidence.

Some thoughts about the "Consensus statement on smoking and vascular risk" from the Spanish Autonomous Societies of Hypertension and Vascular Risk.

Smoking is a known preventable risk factor for vascular diseases. However, it is one of the most forgotten risks when we talk about its relationship with kidney disease. Following the publication of the "Consensus statement on smoking and vascular risk" promoted by the autonomous societies of hypertension and vascular risk of Spain, we consider that the nephrology community should be alerted about the deleterious effects of exposure to tobacco smoke and its consequences on renal damage. Something to take into account given the prevalence of smoking in our environment, approaching its prevention and treatment.

Impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on stroke risk.

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and dietary patterns have emerged as a significant modifiable factor in stroke prevention. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, has been widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits. However, its specific impact on stroke risk requires further elucidation. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 30 studies, including both cohort and case-control designs, to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of stroke. A systematic search was performed across multiple databases, and a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Additionally, trial sequential analysis was conducted to determine the adequacy of the sample size. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in stroke risk among individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet, with a pooled HR of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.91). Notably, a significant heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 34%). The Z-score plot from trial sequential analysis confirmed that the sample sizes were sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. However, a potential publication bias was identified. The case-control studies confirmed a highly significant effect (HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.4-0.73). The funnel plots in both settings hinted at the presence of a potential publication bias, supported by a significant Egger's test. Our findings provide robust evidence supporting the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet against stroke. Despite the presence of some heterogeneity and potential publication bias, the cumulative evidence suggests that promoting the Mediterranean diet could serve as an effective public health strategy for stroke prevention. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and to assess the diet's impact across diverse populations.

Cognition and influencing factors of secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke 1 year after discharge in Southwest China: a cross-sectional survey.

Although the risk of recurrent stroke is very high in patients with ischemic stroke (IS), the implementation of secondary prevention of IS has not received enough attention. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cognition and compliance status of secondary prevention in patients with IS in southwest China and explore the factors affecting compliance with secondary prevention 1 year after discharge. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with IS 1 year after discharge in southwest China through convenience sampling. Factors affecting the compliance of secondary prevention in patients with IS after discharge were analysed. A total of 1,041 patients were included in our study. Nearly one-third of patients did not follow secondary prevention measures according to the guidelines, and an improvement in lifestyle was even less likely. Living with or without children did not significantly affect patient compliance (odds ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.83-1.49; p = 0.47). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the probability of treatment acceptance between patients experiencing one or two of the following conditions: hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, and those with all three conditions. Thus, patients with IS have insufficient compliance with secondary prevention and there is a particular lack of emphasis on lifestyle improvement. Further interventions are needed to improve compliance with secondary prevention in patients with IS, especially patients with all three conditions of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between anxiety and non-suicidal self-injury based on knowledge graphs.

The existing research on the relationship between anxiety and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is inconsistent, and there is no systematic review on this area. This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and NSSI, in order to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for the early identification of preventable occurrence factors of NSSI. The semantic query (i.e. SPARQL) method was used to retrieve the anxiety- related literature on the Knowledge graph of NSSI, which consist of the metadata and semantic annotation data of English literature related to non-suicidal self-injury in PubMed by June 2023. Two researchers strictly followed the inclusion and exclusion criteria for independent literature screening. After evaluating the quality of the included studies, the selected data was subjected to meta-analysis using RevMan5.3 software. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis, including 44064 subjects. The results showed that the proportion of anxiety in the NSSI group was significantly higher than that in the non-NSSI group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (OR=3.60, 95% Cl=2.08-6.22, p<0.01). There is a significant correlation between anxiety and NSSI, which is a possible risk factor for NSSI. However, due to limitations of the design type, quantity, and quality of the included study, further research is needed on the causal relationship between anxiety and NSSI. Furthermore, we show that using knowledge graphs is an effective approach to retrieve literature for meta-analysis.

Alopecia Areata Is Associated with an Increased Risk for Prediabetes and Obesity: A Nationwide Case-Control Study.

Background and Aims: Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring inflammatory hair loss condition associated with various immune-mediated comorbidities. Prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular complications. The associations between AA obesity and prediabetes have long been investigated in an attempt to identify preventable risk factors, yet the literature is relatively scarce and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the association between AA, prediabetes, obesity, and T2DM in a large population cohort. Methods: All patients diagnosed with AA between 2005 and 2019 within Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) in Israel were compared with age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls for prediabetes, T2DM and obesity, using logistic regression models for all analyses. A total of 33,401 patients with AA and 66,802 controls were included in the analysis. Results: The prevalence of prediabetes was significantly higher in AA patients (26.3%) compared to controls (18.1%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.62. Obesity prevalence was also higher in AA patients (17.2% vs. 13.3%, OR 1.35). T2DM prevalence was similar between groups. Prediabetes prevalence notably increased with age in AA patients, especially in those aged 40 and older (OR 2.02). Discussion: The study highlights a significant association between prediabetes and alopecia areata, with prediabetes risk emerging prominently in AA patients. Obesity also showed a strong link with AA. These findings suggest the need for regular screening and early management of prediabetes and obesity in patients with AA to potentially mitigate associated health risks.

WHO guidelines on waist circumference and physical activity and their joint association with cancer risk

ObjectiveLow body fat and high physical activity levels are key lifestyle factors in cancer prevention, but the interplay of abdominal obesity and physical activity on cancer risk remains unknown. We...

Food recalls: An unnecessary and preventable factor in food waste

First paragraph: Food recalls are initiated by food manufacturers or mandated by regulatory agencies when a problem that can harm the public is identified. Recalls take place after the products have left the processing facility and are no longer under the processor’s control, and their primary goal is to minimize harm by retrieving as much product as possible from the market. Not all recalls have the same gravity. In the U.S., food recalls are classified by the U.S. Depart­ment of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into three classes based on the severity of health risks, with Class I being the most severe; a Class I recall is for defec­tive products that can cause severe health effects or death (FDA, 2024, p. 7-1; USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service [USDA FSIS], 2024-b). . . .

Association of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) with the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Diabetes.

Both renal function decline and systemic inflammation may synergistically increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigates the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels with the risk of new-onset AF in patients with diabetes mellitus. We included diabetic patients without AF who participated in physical exams in the Kailuan Study from 2006 to 2010. Participants were categorized into four groups based on baseline eGFR and hs-CRP levels: 1) high eGFR (≥60 mL/min/1.73m²) and low hs-CRP (<3 mg/L) (n=6,915), 2) high eGFR and high hs-CRP (≥3 mg/L) (n=3,154), 3) low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73m²) and low hs-CRP (n=4,638), 4) low eGFR and high hs-CRP (n=1,809). We employed multivariable Cox regression analysis to evaluate the relationships between eGFR, hs-CRP, and new-onset AF, adjusting for confounders including smoking status, alcohol consumption, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), heart rate, lipid levels, body mass index (BMI), and medication usage. Competing risk analysis was also performed. Among 16,516 patients, 222 developed new-onset AF over a mean follow-up of 12.6 years. After adjusting for confounders, elevated hs-CRP and reduced eGFR were significantly associated with higher risk of new-onset AF compared to the high eGFR/low hs-CRP group. These findings remained consistent after excluding AF cases within the first 2-year. No significant interaction between eGFR and hs-CRP was observed (P=0.227). Subgroup analysis revealed that the combination of eGFR and hs-CRP had predictive value primarily in males under 60 years of age, individuals with FBG <9mmol/L, hypertension, and those not on hypoglycemic medications. In diabetic patients, decreased eGFR and elevated hs-CRP were independently linked to an increased risk of new-onset AF, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these factors for early detection and prevention of AF.

TIME TO ENHANCE THE MESSAGE? KNOWLEDGE OF DEMENTIA RISK AND SYMPTOMS IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA

Abstract It is well known that Black-American and Latino adults are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease compared to their White counterparts. Yet, misconceptions about AD persist in ethnic-minority communities. For example, a recent Alzheimer’s Association Report (2021) suggests that concern about developing Alzheimer’s is lower among Native Americans (25%), Blacks (35%) and Hispanics (41%), compared with Whites (48%) and more than half of non-White Americans believe significant loss of memory or cognitive abilities is a normal part of aging. The current data is part of an ongoing study designed to evaluate existing knowledge about dementia risk factors and the early warning signs of dementia in low-moderate income communities in Central North Carolina. A 17-item true/false questionnaire framed as a “Brain Health Trivia” quiz was used to assess knowledge. Participants had the choice of completing an electronic (cell phone or tablet) or paper version. The electronic version provided respondents with an immediate completion score as well as the correct answers to incorrect questions. To date (N=307) adults aged 18+ have completed the survey. Results show that community members are knowledgeable about many preventive factors such as the importance of diet and exercise, but are less knowledgeable about the impact of chronic disease on brain health. Nearly 45% of respondents surveyed were not aware that diabetes was a risk factor for dementia and 34.4% were not aware that hypertension was a risk factor. These results demonstrate the need for ongoing education and outreach efforts on brain health particularly in low-moderately resourced communities.

Fator Acidentário de Prevenção – Fap: a Ofensa à Convenção Nº 155 da Organização Internacional do Trabalho, à Vida do Trabalhador e a Aplicação de Benchmarking como Impulsionador de Boas Práticas no Ambiente do Trabalho

The general objective of this research is to understand whether the lack of transparency in the indicators of the Accident Prevention Factor – FAP contributes to the violation of Convention No. 155 of the International Labor Organization and, consequently, to the worker's life. This is because FAP was created as an institute that aims to protect the work environment in defense of workers' health and safety. Furthermore, the hypothesis is that transparency regarding FAP was created as an institute that aims to protect the work environment in defense of workers' health and safety. Furthermore, the hypothesis is that transparency regarding FAP exposure constitutes a benchmarking practice that promotes good practices in the workplace. Regarding the methodology used in this research, the deductive approach and monographic procedure methods were adopted, considering that extensive bibliography and documents on the subject were used. The results achieved indicate that it does not make sense for one of the main indicators of the FAP, which is the comparative analysis of a company with others that supposedly best-applied protection measures in managing the reduction of occupational accidents, not being able to have its index disclosed in the name of fiscal secrecy. As final considerations, the importance of this disclosure was discussed as a good practice of transparency and benchmarking.

Study of the Influence of the Duration of Bisphosphonate Intake on the Outcome of Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Treatment Using Statistical Method Logistic Regression

Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that are widely used in the treatment of osteoclast-mediated diseases related to bone loss. Since 2003 the problem of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ) has been raised, and many authors have published the cases they have observed. BAONJ is a multifactorial disease, and the risk factors for the development of the disease can be divided into those related to bisphosphonate therapy, local risk factors, demographic and systemic factors, genetic factors and preventive factors. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of the duration of bisphosphonate intake on the outcome of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ) treatment using the statistical method one-dimensional logistic regression which is from the direction of regression analysis. In the present study we included 44 patients diagnosed with Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BAONJ). For each patient included in the study, information on the anamnesis, general and local status and results of clinical and paraclinical studies is recorded in an individual card. Our study shows that with the increase of the duration of BF intake, the likelihood of disease progression also increases, found in the examination of the patient on the first and on the sixth month after the treatment of BAONJ. Therefore, we can conclude that the factor duration of BF intake can be used as a predictor of the outcome of BAONJ treatment, and with increasing of its value, the likelihood of disease progression increases. Furthermore, we can suggest that the duration of bisphosphonate intake is an important