Age Groups Of Population Research Articles

Normative Data of Extended High Frequency Audiometry in Normal Hearing Subjects with Different Aged Groups

Background/Objectives: Conventional audiometry assesses hearing in the frequency range of 250–8000 Hz, while humans can detect sounds from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Hearing sensitivity above 8000 Hz can be assessed through “Extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA)”, which is useful for early detection and monitoring of hearing loss and counseling for tinnitus patients. Despite its usefulness, age significantly affects hearing sensitivity. Currently, there are no standard hearing thresholds in the EHF range categorized by age groups in Thailand. In this study, the aim was to determine normative EHFA data across different age groups in a healthy Thai population. Methods: This study included 134 participants aged 18–70 years, categorized into five age groups. All participants had normal hearing thresholds and type A tympanograms bilaterally. Following this, EHFA measurement was performed. Results: Across all age groups, there was an observed increase in median hearing thresholds as age increased. In comparison, no significant difference in median hearing thresholds was found between individuals aged 18–30 and >30–40 years. However, those over 40 years had significantly higher median thresholds across all frequencies compared to those under 40 years (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, we propose two new subgroups of 18–40 years and >40–70 years. Median hearing thresholds for those aged 18–40 was ≤20 dB HL across most frequencies, except at 16,000 Hz (30 dB HL). In the >40–70 age group, thresholds ranged from 20 dB HL at 9000 Hz to 70 dB HL at 14,000 and 16,000 Hz. However, no significant differences were found in hearing thresholds between sexes and ear sides. Conclusions: In this study, normative EHFA data were established for healthy Thai adults, appropriately divided into two groups (18–40 and >40–70 years) for clinical use. Further studies with more participants per age group are also needed to validate the results.

Optimal COVID-19 vaccine prioritization by age depends critically on inter-group contacts and vaccination rates.

The limited availability of COVID-19 vaccines has prompted extensive research on optimal vaccination strategies. Previous studies have considered various non-pharmaceutical interventions, vaccine efficacy and distribution strategies. In this work, we address the combined effects of inter-group contacts and vaccination rates under contact reduction, analysing the Spanish population's demographic and age group contact patterns and incorporating reinfection dynamics. We conduct an exhaustive analysis, evaluating 362 880 permutations of nine age groups across six vaccination rates and two distinct, empirically quantified scenarios for social contacts. Our results show that at intermediate-to-high vaccination rates with unrestricted social contacts, optimal age-based vaccination strategies only slightly deviate from older-to-younger prioritization, yielding marginal reductions in deaths and infections. However, when significant reductions in social contacts are enforced-similar to the lockdowns in 2020-there are substantial improvements, particularly at moderate vaccination rates. These restrictions lead to a transition where infection propagation is halted, a scenario that became achievable during the pandemic with the observed vaccination rates. Our findings emphasize the importance of combining appropriate social contact reductions with vaccination to optimize age-based vaccination strategies, underscoring the complex, nonlinear dynamics involved in pandemic dynamics and the necessity for tailored context-specific interventions.

Abstract 4138301: Burden of Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular Mortality, and COVID-19: A Retrospective-Cohort Analysis of US Data

Background: Hyperlipidemia (HLD) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Little is known regarding temporal variation in CVD mortality related to HLD. The COVID-19 pandemic added complexity to factors influencing CVD mortality. Question: What are the yearly trends and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HLD-related CVD mortality in the United States? Methods: Mortality and demographic data for adults were obtained from CDC repository from 1999-2020, using ICD-10 codes HLD (E78.0-E78.5) and CVD (I00-I99). Age adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1,000,000 population was standardized to the 2000 US population. Log-linear regression models evaluated mortality shifts. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) from 1999-2019 was used to calculate projected AAMR in 2020, subsequently compared to actual 2020 death rates to estimate pandemic-attributed excess deaths. Results: A total of 483,155 HLD-related CVD deaths were recorded between 1999-2020. Despite the CVD mortality decline in general population, HLD-related CVD AAMR rose from 36.33 [95% CI, 35.52-37.13] in 1999 to 99.77 [98.67-100.87] in 2019. Ischemic heart diseases (AAMR 49.39) were the most common causes of death while hypertension had the highest annual mortality increase (AAPC +10.23%) in populations with HLD. Higher HLD-related CVD mortality was observed in males (AAMR 104.87) than females (AAMR 61.93), in those ≥75 years (AAMR 646.45) than 35-75 years (AAMR 54.11), in non-Hispanic (NH) (AAMR 82.49) than Hispanic (AAMR 58.98) populations, and in rural (AAMR 89.98) than urban (AAMR 78.94) regions. NH Black populations (AAMR 84.35) and Western US regions (AAMR 96.88) had the highest HLD-related CVD. The first year of COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 10.55% excess HLD-related CVD death, with the most prominent increase in the 35-75 years age group (14.23%), Hispanic (17.96%), Black (14.82%), and urban (11.68%) populations. Conclusions: Our study revealed an increase in HLD-related CVD mortality which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher CVD mortality disproportionately affected males, Black, elderly (≥75 years), and rural populations with HLD. Further research is needed to validate our findings and identify contributing factors.

AGE-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE INCIDENCE IN UKRAINE: A TWO-CENTER STUDY

Purpose of this study is to investigate the age-related characteristics of the incidence of coronary heart disease in Ukraine, considering sex differences. Materials and Methods: The study included patients with coronary heart disease who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery on a beating heart (n = 3,674), comprising 3,061 males and 613 females. The average age of the participants was 60.6 ± 0.8 years. The analysis was based on data obtained from primary medical documentation, including medical histories, anamnestic information, and extracts from patients’ outpatient cards. The research design categorized participants by age group according to the World Health Organization age classification and by sex. Results: The article presents the incidence rates of coronary artery disease based on patient age groups, classified according to the World Health Organization, and sex. The distribution of patients by age groups was analyzed while considering sex, and the frequencies and average ages of the patients were determined. It was found that the incidence of coronary artery disease was highest among the most prevalent age groups in Ukraine's population: middle-aged and elderly patients. The frequency of early postoperative mortality was 0.6%, and it correlated with age-related incidence rates of coronary heart disease. Notably, early postoperative mortality was significantly higher in age groups with the highest incidence of coronary heart disease, specifically among middle-aged and elderly patients (p = 0.03, χ² = 4.69). Conclusions: In this retrospective two-center study of patients with coronary heart disease, it was determined that male patients were affected five times more frequently than female patients. The most common age groups for patients with coronary heart disease were identified as middle-aged and elderly. Early postoperative mortality following coronary artery bypass surgery on a beating heart was found to be 0.6%, with the highest rates observed in elderly (54.6%) and middle-aged (31.8%) patients. The frequency ratios demonstrated statistical significance favoring elderly patients (p = 0.03, χ² = 4.69). The frequency of early postoperative mortality was significantly higher among male patients (p = 0.0001, χ² = 40.33).

Acute Decompensation of Chronic Cardiac Failure in Elderly and Senile Persons: Focus on Renal Dysfunction

The heart and kidneys, as well as their synergy, are necessary conditions for maintaining hemodynamic homeostasis in the human body. Since the beginning of the 19th century, it has been recognized that cardiovascular and renal diseases often coexist and have a mutually aggravating effect on each other. During the aging process, involutive changes in organs and body systems, especially the cardiovascular and urinary systems, lead to many physiological and functional changes that can increase the risk of developing acute complications, including acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (CHF). The prevalence of CHF is increasing among the population of older age groups all over the world, which is explained not only by involutive changes in the cardiovascular system of the body, but also by the high frequency of concomitant diseases, in particular chronic kidney disease. Age-related changes in the urinary system also play an important role in maintaining homeostasis of the body, however, during the aging process, along with a decrease in the number of nephrons, a decrease in the concentration function of the kidneys is observed, as well as a change in their structural integrity. These involutive changes in renal tissue may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with acute decompensation of CHF. Therefore, consideration of age-related changes in the cardiovascular and urinary systems and their contribution to the development of acute decompensation of CHF represents an important area for further research and practical applications aimed at improving medical care and quality of life in older people. The review article examines scientific literature data on cardiorenal relationships in acute decompensation of chronic heart failure in elderly and senile people.

COMPARATIVE SERUM LIPID STUDY IN SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS SUFFERING FROM MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objective: Comparative study of lipids in smoker and non-smoker myocardial infarction (MI), patients. Methods: Total cholesterol determined by diagnostic kit, that is, enzymatic CHOD-PAP, endpoint colorimetric method. Absorbance was measured at 506 nm by kinetic ultraviolet spectrophotometer which was proportional to the cholesterol concentration in the specimens. Results: There were 41.46% of patients who were smokers with high total cholesterol (>200 mg/dL). The total cholesterol was found to be statistically significant when smokers and non-smokers were compared in different age groups (p<0.05) in urban, rural, and slum populations of Madhya Pradesh. Conclusion: This prospective study of 2006 smoking emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor in MI patients.

Lp(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are predictive biomarkers for coronary heart disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to assess the variations in biomarkers associated with CHD in T2DM patients across different age groups in the Han Chinese population. MethodsA strict selection process was employed, involving three groups: a control group (n = 300) with no medical history, a new-onset T2DM group (n = 300), and a new-onset T2DM + CHD group (n = 300). Participants in each group were further categorized based on age: Group 1 (<60 years), Group 2 (60–75 years), and Group 3 (>75 years). Fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and homocysteine (HCY) levels were analyzed in all groups. ResultsBoth T2DM and T2DM + CHD groups exhibited elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ApoB, ApoB/ApoA1, Lp(a), hsCRP, and HCY, alongside decreased levels of HDL-C and ApoA1 in comparison to the control group. Notably, when comparing the T2DM to the T2DM + CHD groups, significant increases were noted in ApoB, Lp(a), and hsCRP levels in the T2DM + CHD group, whereas other biomarkers did not show significant differences. Across all age groups, the patterns remained consistent, with the T2DM and T2DM + CHD groups showing elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ApoB, ApoB/ApoA1, Lp(a), hsCRP, and HCY, and decreased levels of HDL-C and ApoA1 compared to their respective age-matched control groups. Furthermore, within each age category, significant increases in ApoB, Lp(a), and hsCRP were specifically observed with advancing age in the T2DM + CHD group, with Lp(a) and hsCRP levels showing particularly notable elevations, underscoring their potential as significant indicators of CHD risk in the T2DM population. ConclusionLp(a) and hsCRP may serve as valuable risk biomarkers for the development of CHD in T2DM patients. Understanding the variations in these biomarkers across different age groups can assist in risk assessment and the development of personalized management strategies for CHD in T2DM patients.

The morbidity in children population of various age groups against the background of COVID-19 pandemic and new challenges in organization of medical care

In children population, infectious diseases propagate rather rapidly and they have their own peculiarities in course. The COVID-19 coronavirus infection was no exception in it and created new challenges in organization of medical care and prevention of its spread. The purpose of the study was to investigate dynamics of general and primary morbidity in children aged 0-14 and 15-17 years and characteristics of organization of medical care in conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytical and statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, were applied. The software MS Excel 2007 and Statistica 10 were applied to process data. It was established that in 2017-2022 total children morbidity aged 0-14 years decreased up to 18.0%, primary morbidity up to 19.3%, in children aged 15-17 years up to 3.8% and 4.2% respectively. Despite implemented anti-epidemic measures morbidity of COVID-19 in children increased annually. The medical care of children was provided according to the Procedure of provision of medical care by profile "Pediatrics" but due to COVID-19 propagation, adjustments were applied. This affected state medical organizations re-profiled for medical care of patients with confirmed COVID-19 corona-virus infection. Despite increasing of general and primary children morbidity against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic during study period indicators decreased. At that, respiratory diseases increased that determined decision-making in management of medical care organization of patients.

Functional Status and Comorbidities in Older Patient Attending Outpatient in a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Observational Study

Introduction: With the increasing geriatric population, the demand of the geriatric care has been increasing worldwide. Numerous comorbidities like hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, are seen commonly in the older population of Nepal, affecting their quality of life. Assessing functional status of individual using Basic Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Life scoring is beneficial in predicting the mortality and morbidity among the group. This study hence focuses on determining the comorbidities and functional status of older population. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to May 2024 in tertiary care hospital at Kathmandu among population of age group above 60 years, after taking ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 19012024/04). A total of 423 individuals were taken for the study. Data collection for socio-demographic information, comorbidities, functional assessment via Katz and Lawton scale was done and analysed using IBM SPSS. Results: Among the total 423 participants visiting the outpatient department, 188 (44.44%) were males and 235 (55.56%) were females. Basic Activity of Daily Living using Katz scoring, suggested that 377 (89.13%; 95% CI: 85.76%-91.93%)) were independent. Using Lawton scoring for the assessment of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, it was seen that 170 (40.19%; 95% CI: 35.48%-45.03%) were independent. There were 184 (43.50%) individual with comorbidities. Conclusions: Most of the patients were independent in Basic Activities of Daily Living as per Katz Index of independence and almost half were independent in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living as per Lawton-Brody scale.

Opisthorchiasis-related topical issues

The article analyzes statistical data on the 2020 vs 2019 opisthorchiasis incidence rate on the territory of the Russian Federation and in foreign countries, provides absolute and intensive morbidity indicators across entire the Russian Federation and specifically in its subjects — republics and regions, general prevalence of helminthiasis, and opisthorchiasis particularly overall pattern of parasitic diseases, as well as contribution of opisthorchiasis to general pattern of biohelminthiasis, its dynamics, and prevalence of relevant causative agent. A comparative analysis for incidence rates in the regions where opisthorchiasis was recorded and mean country-wide statistical parameters was carried out. As a result, it was concluded that despite a decline in the Russia-wide overall parasitic morbidity, an excess of mean indicators, sometimes significant, was noted in some regions. Thus, compared to Russia-wide magnitude of intensive indicator, it was higher by 4-fold in the Komi Republic, whereas in the Kurgan, Vologda, Arkhangelsk Regions and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug — by 3-fold. The article provides an analysis of the population age groups as well as percentage of opisthorchis-affected urban and rural populations. In addition, the special clinical and epidemiological significance of opisthorchiasis remains urgent due to severity of its course, affected various body systems and organs, emergence of serious complications leading to disability, and in some cases to fatal outcomes, the presence of natural foci, most of which are located in the Russian Federation. Almost all territories adjacent to the basins of the Ob, Irtysh, Tom rivers and their tributaries pose special concern regarding opisthorchiasis. The data related to prevalence of helminthiasis larvae detected in fish in 2020 and 2019 since 2010 are presented. Based on the data shown above, strict adherence to preventive measures plays an important role in reducing opisthorchiasis incidence rate and preventing its spread.

Health, an ageing labour force, and the economy: Does health moderate the relationship between population age-structure and economic growth?

Abstract Research often suggests that population ageing will be detrimental for the economy due to increased labour market exits and lost productivity, however the role of population health and disability at older ages is not well established. Identifying whether the health of older people affects economic outcomes is challenging due to methodological issues. Using country-level panel data, we estimate the relationship between the size of the older working age population (aged 55-69) and economic growth across 180 countries from 1990 to 2017. We run models using annual data and 5-year moving averages of real per capita GDP growth as dependent variables. This enables us to quantify the gains in real per capita GDP growth associated with a healthy older working-age population on a country-by-country basis. The initial models confirm an inverse-U or hump-shaped relationship between population age groups and economic growth. In the 5 year average GDP growth model, the coefficient for the inverse of YLDs among 55-69 year olds is positive and significant at p &amp;lt; 0.01. The interaction term is significant at p &amp;lt; 0.001 in the same model. Across all countries, a 5% improvement in YLDs is associated with at minimum 0.3% predicted additional annual real per capita GDP growth. While a larger share of the older working-age population at ages 55-69 has historically been associated with slower real per capita GDP growth, low levels of disability in this age group can reduce or even eliminate these adverse economic effects. We consistently find a significant positive interaction between disability and the share of the population at ages 55-69, suggesting that adverse economic effects are amenable to policy intervention.

Vaccination subsidy allocation under budget constraints considering the human interpersonal contact pattern and vaccine protection effect in epidemics

Vaccination subsidy is one of the most important measures to increase the willingness of people to be vaccinated for epidemic prevention and control. Given the budget constraint of vaccination subsidy and the different roles of various age groups population in the epidemic transmission process, a novel approach is proposed to optimize the utilization of the limited vaccination subsidy budget. First, an age-structured SIR model that integrates the human interpersonal contact pattern and vaccine protection effect is developed to simulate the epidemic trend under a certain vaccination state. Then, a decision model is constructed to determine the optimal vaccination subsidy allocation scheme for various age groups based on the age-structured SIR model. A case study of Wuhan City is used to verify the decision approach, and a series of sensitivity analyses are conducted. The result shows that the peak time of an epidemic is positively related to the total treatment cost for all the infections, and more subsidies should be allocated to the populations with higher interpersonal contact frequencies for epidemic prevention and control.

Risky Sexual Behaviour and the Associated Factors Among Secondary School Youths in Khorixas, Namibia

Background: Like most African countries, Namibia has a large percentage of its population in the youthful age group, most of whom are in secondary school. In Namibia, the age of consent for sex is 16 years but, in most cases, children have their sexual debut way below the age of 16 years. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and the associated factors among secondary school youths aged 15-21 years in the Khorixas district of the Kunene Region in Namibia. Methods: This was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 276 learners, selected from three public schools in the Khorixas district employing a cluster sampling technique. Information on demographics and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour was gathered. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software which included descriptive statistics generating frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among secondary school youths in Khorixas district, Kunene region of Namibia to be 78.9%. The risky sexual behaviour identified included multiple partners, nonuse of condoms and early sexual debut. Gender, place of residence, parental educational level, peer pressure, alcohol use/abuse, and watching pornographic content were some of the factors found to lead to risky sexual behaviour among the youths in this district of Namibia. Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is common in secondary schools in Khorixas district of Namibia. This sexual behaviour may follow these youngsters to adulthood and may significantly affect their social and reproductive life. Complications resulting from risky sexual behaviour among school youths include contracting STIs and HIV, getting unwanted/unplanned pregnancies and dropping out of school prematurely.

Profile Laboratory of Thalassemia in the General Hospital Dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh

Thalassemia refers to the globin gene abnormality that affects the a and b globin genes. A comprehensive peripheral blood laboratory examination, Mentzer index, blood morphology, and Hb analysis were all performed on every patient with thalassemia who attended treatment as part of this analytical observational study. This research aims to know the profile of laboratory examinations of thalassemia patients in the Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital (RSUZA) Banda Aceh. The study's target population was 547 individuals, with 278 males and 269 females making up the male and female split, respectively (50.7% and 49.3%). With a total of 197 subjects (36.4%), this study revealed that the subjects were most frequently found in the age range of 0–5 years. Only 8 subjects, or 1.5%, of the population in the over-65 age group, were detected. The typical value of the erythrocyte index further fell and was discovered in 469 participants with a value of 85.3%. A total of 504 patients, or 91.6%, had more elevated RDW features. Results for the Mentzer index with 432 subjects were determined to be 13 were 78.5%. In the 450-subject hypochromic microcytic group, subjects were most frequently observed (81.8%). Blood morphology features from 505 participants, or 91.8% of the total, showed no additional blood morphology characteristics in normoblasts, and from 361 subjects, or 65.6% of the total, showed no target cells. When a person has anemia or a family history of thalassemia, it is strongly advised that they get a full blood count (CBC). The proper laboratory testing is still necessary for the health issue of thalassemia.

Assessing the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on China’s carbon emissions

The gradual adjustment of fertility and retirement policies in China has social benefits in terms of coping with population aging. However, the environmental consequences of these policies remain ambiguous. Here we compile environmentally extended multiregional input–output tables to estimate household carbon footprints for different population age groups in China. Subsequently, we estimate the age-sex-specific population under different fertility policies up to 2060 and assess the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. We find that Chinese young people have relatively higher household carbon footprints than their older counterparts due to differences in income by age group. Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age are associated with an increase in population (and labour supply) and thus increases in household carbon footprints, with the majority of these increases from the fertility side. These results may help policymakers understand interactions among those measures targeting population aging and climate action.

Determination of antinuclear antibodies: role in modern differential diagnosis of connective tissue autoimmune diseases

There is an increase in autoimmune rheumatic diseases among all age population groups globally. Diagnosis is often difficult, because the early stages of the diseases usually do not have specific symptoms. Often, clinical manifestations of autoimmune diseases and non-autoimmune pathologies have similar symptoms. Therefore, the differential diagnosis could be very difficult. Most often, the determination of antinuclear autoantibodies is used for laboratory diagnosis of connective tissue systemic diseases. Autoantibodies can be detected in patients long time before the appearance of symptoms. The correct diagnosis is very important because the therapy of various nosologies can be different. It is especially significant with the invention of targeted therapy. Further analysis of the diagnostic value of autoantibody determination is very important. This article presents examination and follow-up data of three children. The analysis of medical documentation was carried out. The role of determining autoantibodies in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue diseases was analyzed. In the first patient with Sjögren’s syndrome, the clinical picture of the underlying disease developed at least 5 years after the detection of high levels anti-SS-A, SS-B and Ro-52 antibodies (immunoblotting) and the speckled pattern (indirect immunofluorescence assay). In the second patient, antibodies against centromeres (specific markers of systemic scleroderma) appeared at least 2 years before clinical symptoms. In the third patient, the specific markers of systemic scleroderma have been detected for 5 years. There were antibodies against centromeres (immunoblotting), high titer and the centromere pattern (indirect immunofluorescence assay). However, the patient has not developed any clinical symptoms of this disease during all time of observation. Thus, the analysis of the presented clinical cases shows that autoantibodies can be detected in patients long time before the onset of clinical manifestations of a specific autoimmune disease. In all three cases, the first immunological examination has been carried out in the background of the disease symptoms, but they were atypical. Identification of specific autoantibodies, is very important for differential diagnosis. In the absence of clinical symptoms, the presence of autoantibodies, is the reason for dynamic observation of the patients.

Abstract A157: Age-related disparities in survival following colorectal cancer diagnosis in an underserved community in Georgia

Abstract Background: Significantly higher colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality exists in Augusta-Richmond County of Georgia, an area with a large proportion of underserved African Americans. Although age is one of the most important prognostic factors in cancer survival, age disparities in survival following CRC diagnosis have been understudied within geographic areas of Georgia. Thus, we examined overall survival (OS) rates following CRC diagnosis between 18-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ age groups. We also determined whether age-specific differences were associated with OS and examined factors contributing to OS across these four age groups in a cancer center population in Augusta-Richmond County. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using 2012-2022 data from the Georgia Cancer Center cancer registry linked with electronic medical records and billing data. OS following CRC diagnosis was the outcome of interest; those who survived until 2023 were censored. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the mentioned associations in different age groups adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics (gender, race, marital status, insurance, county-level poverty), health-related factors (body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, chronic disease conditions, family history of CRC/cancer), tumor characteristics (tumor grade, stage at diagnosis, primary site), and diagnosis year. Results: Among 839 CRC patients, OS rates were lowest among patients aged 70+ years (52.8%) followed by 60-69 (61.2%), 18-49 (63.7%), and 50-59 (65.2%) years (p &amp;lt;0.001). In the adjusted analysis, CRC patients aged 70+ years had a 2.1-fold increased risk of death due to all causes compared to those aged 18-49 years (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7). Regardless of age groups, CRC patients with a late stage at diagnosis were associated with increased risk of all causes of death by 2.0-5.7 times (18-49 year: HR, 4.9; 95% CI,2.7-8.8; 50-59 year: HR, 5.7; 95% CI,3.6-9.0; 60-69 year: HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 3.5-8.0; 70+ year: HR,2.0; 95% CI,1.3-3.0). Among patients aged 60-69 years, those living in poverty areas had an increased risk of all causes of death by 1.8-times (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7). However, having private insurance (HR, 0.3; 95% CI,0.2-0.5) was associated with lower risk of mortality by 69% for 50- 59 age group. Conclusion: Patients aged 70+ years reported lower OS rates. Late stage at diagnosis was strongly associated with increased risk of death regardless of age; significantly greater risk was observed at 50-59 age group followed by 60-69, 18-49, and 70+ age groups. In particular, poverty had an negative impact on the risk of death following CRC diagnosis for the 60-69 age group. The high mortality among patients aged 50 and older emphasizes the need for developing strategies for increasing the screening uptake and starting at earlier ages, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Equally important are strategies to improve access to screening and treatment resources for patients with limited access to healthcare. Citation Format: Meng-Han Tsai, Jorge Cortes, Marlo Vernon, Elinita Pollard, Steven S. Coughlin, Yanbin Dong, Kenneth J. Vega. Age-related disparities in survival following colorectal cancer diagnosis in an underserved community in Georgia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A157.

Assessment of groundwater quality, irrigation suitability, and health risks from radon and heavy metals near Ilokun dumpsite, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Concentrations of 222Rn and other toxic metals (Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Mn) were measured by alpha spectrometry using Rad7 and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively, in the water samples from the Ilokun dumpsite, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters of the groundwater were also assayed to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. While the physicochemical parameters met the World Health Organization (WHO)-safety standards, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Mn exceeded permissible limits. Hazard index (HI) values for adults (8.40) and children (39.23) indicated heightened susceptibility to non-carcinogenic health risks among both age group populations. The 222Rn concentrations present in the studied samples range from 5.4 to 23.1 Bq l−1 with an average of 13.9 Bq l−1. Approximately 60% of the samples have radon concentrations above the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-maximum contaminant level of 11.1 Bq l−1. The evaluated radiation doses to the stomach and respiratory tract due to radon content in the water are well below the WHO-specified individual dose criterion of 0.1 mSv year−1. This study suggests a need for groundwater resource management strategies and measures to protect human health from radiological and toxicological risks associated with groundwater consumption around the Ilokun dumpsite.

Multinational trends in sepsis mortality between 1985 and 2019: a temporal analysis of the WHO Mortality Database

ObjectivesUnderstanding the burden of disease of sepsis is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of international strategies to improve sepsis care. Our objective was to describe the multinational trend of sepsis-related...

Optimal choice of indicators for timely assessment of the prognosis of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients

The aim of the study was to identify the indicators that are most significant for predicting the features of the course of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.Materials and methods. 250 case histories of patients aged 18 to 86 years with COVID-19 hospitalized in the hospital of the city of Nukus, Republic of Uzbekistan, redesigned to provide care to patients with COVID-19 from July 1, 2020 to March 2022, were analyzed. Patients who had a wave–like course of the disease with the development of complications, an increase in the volume of lung damage, were included in the main group (62 patients, 3 of whom were extremely severe). The patients who had stable positive dynamics (188 people) formed a comparison group.Results and discussion. Among patients over 65 years of age, 36% had a complicated course, in the 45–65 age group — 29% (p&gt;0.05), and among patients under 45 years of age — 13% (p&lt;0.05). The main group was dominated by men (79%). Among hospitalized villagers, an increase in the severity of the condition was noted in 30% of cases, and among patients from the city of Nukus, such patients were 20% (p&lt;0.05). The highest values of D-dimer, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were in both groups, significant differences between the groups were revealed in the levels of D-dimer and interleukin-6. Significant differences between the groups were found in the levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6, ferritin, ALT, AST, and urea.Conclusion. COVID-19 has become one of the most studied diseases to date, but aspects of the course of this disease in certain population groups are still not sufficiently investigated. The complicated, progressive course of COVID-19, according to the results of our study, was recorded in all age groups of the adult population, more often in men from rural areas aged over 45 years with chronic diseases. The main prognostic markers of the complicated and progressive course of COVID-19 should be considered high levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6 and ferritin.