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Fisher LA, Lowe-Jones R. Global Dialysis Perspective: Jamaica. Kidney360 2023; 4:1623-1627. [PMID: 37872661 PMCID: PMC10695636 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000000000000275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lori-Ann Fisher
- Department of Medicine, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
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Christie CD, Lue AM, Melbourne-Chambers RH. Dengue, chikungunya and zika arbovirus infections in Caribbean children. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:155-165. [PMID: 36801979 PMCID: PMC10090388 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dengue, chikungunya and zika have caused significant epidemics in the Caribbean in recent years. This review highlights their impact in Caribbean children. RECENT FINDINGS Dengue has been increasingly intense and severe, seroprevalence is 80-100% in the Caribbean, children have increased attributable morbidity and mortality. Severe dengue, especially dengue with haemorrhage was significantly associated with haemoglobin SC disease and multiple organ-systems involved. These included the gastrointestinal and haematologic systems with extremely high lactate dehydrogenases and creatinine phosphokinases and severely abnormal bleeding indices. Despite appropriate interventions, mortality was highest within the first 48 h of admission. Chikungunya, a togavirus, affected 80% of some Caribbean populations. Paediatric presentations included high fever, skin, joint and neurological manifestations. Children less than 5 years of age had the highest morbidity and mortality. This maiden chikungunya epidemic was explosive and overwhelmed public health systems. Zika, another flavivirus, has a seroprevalence of 15% in pregnancy, so the Caribbean remains susceptible. Paediatric complications include pregnancy losses, stillbirths, Congenital Zika syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis. Neurodevelopment stimulation programs for zika-exposed infants have been effective in improving language and positive behaviour scores. SUMMARY Caribbean children remain at risk for dengue, chikungunya and zika, with high attributable morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia D.C. Christie
- Department of Child (Pediatrics) and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies
- Department of Child (Pediatrics) and Adolescent Health (Infectious Diseases), University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona
| | | | - Roxanne H. Melbourne-Chambers
- Department of Child (Pediatrics) and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies
- Department of Child (Pediatrics) and Adolescent Health (Neurology), University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
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Chambers KH, Reid RM, Samuels SC, Cranston SS, Barnes O, Palmer OD. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Jamaica From 2000 to 2016. Cureus 2023; 15:e34907. [PMID: 36938295 PMCID: PMC10016753 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Jamaica has been steadily increasing over the past decade and is now a significant health issue. This paper focuses on the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Jamaica from 2000 to 2016. Overweight and obesity prevalence in adults increased from 43.8% in 2000 to 55.5% in 2016, from 34.2% in 2000 to 47.4% in 2016in adult males, and from 53.0% in 2000 to 63.6% in 2016 in adult females. In children/adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, the prevalence of obesity has doubled between 2000 and 2016. The data shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children/adolescents increased from 5% in 2000 to 11.4% in 2016, from 4.4% in 2000 to 11.0% in 2016 in boys, and from 5.5% in 2000 to 11.9% in 2016 in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Orbin Barnes
- Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, CHN
| | - Orlando D Palmer
- Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, JAM
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Mandalaneni K, Venkatapathappa P, Koshy S, Walcott-Bedeau G, Singh V. Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography-Related Research in the Caribbean Region. Cureus 2023; 15:e35147. [PMID: 36949970 PMCID: PMC10027575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is a non-invasive ultrasound technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure blood flow velocities in the cerebral vasculature. This review analyzes TCD research in the Caribbean region using a bibliometric analysis of 29 articles from PubMed. The articles were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and the VOSviewer software (Van Eck and Waltman, Leiden University, Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS), www.vosviewer.com) and characterized various aspects of TCD research, including countries, research themes, authorship, journals, affiliations, and keywords. The majority of the 29 publications came from Cuba (38%), followed by the French West Indies (22%) and Jamaica (20%). Most TCD research focused on sickle cell disease (SCD), accounting for 45% of the studies, followed by 21% of articles on vasospasm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The use of TCD in brain death and neuro-intensive care was also explored, constituting 17% of the studies. Alternative TCD-monitored treatment options for SCD, such as stem cell transplantation and hydroxyurea, were also frequently investigated. The most productive institutions were Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras in Havana, Cuba, the Sickle Cell Unit at the University of West Indies (UWI) Mona in Jamaica, the Medical-Surgical Research Center (CIMEQ) in Havana, Cuba, and the SCD Reference Center in Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French West Indies. TCD has been identified as a cost-effective tool for real-time monitoring of cerebral blood flow in many clinical settings, including stroke and SCD, which are prevalent in the Caribbean. Although there is an increase in the trend of using TCD for neuromonitoring in the Caribbean, gaps still exist. Capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs for healthcare providers and the development of local TCD research networks, can improve access to TCD in resource-constrained settings to treat and neuromonitor patients cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesava Mandalaneni
- Department of Neuroscience, St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, GRD
| | | | - Sarah Koshy
- Department of Neuroscience, St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, GRD
| | | | - Vajinder Singh
- Department of Pathology, St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, GRD
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Bibliometric Analysis of COVID-19 Scientific Literature From the English-Speaking Caribbean. Cureus 2022; 14:e30958. [PMID: 36465192 PMCID: PMC9713722 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global crisis and has affected the Caribbean islands, leading to significant health and socioeconomic consequences in this region. Efforts to mitigate the burden of this disease have led to an accelerated amount of research in the English-speaking Caribbean (ESC). This bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate the COVID-19-related scientific literature from the ESC nations. A total of 175 articles were included and analyzed from an initial PubMed search (n = 638) for COVID-19-related scientific literature from the ESC nations published between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. Microsoft Excel 2016 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and the VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) were used to characterize countries, authorship, journals, affiliations, and keywords of the COVID-19-related articles. Trinidad and Tobago (38%), Jamaica (22%), Barbados (20%), and Grenada (15%) contributed to the greatest number of publications. The University of the West Indies (UWI) campuses in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados, and St. George's University in Grenada were the most prolific institutions. Srikanth Umakanthan from the UWI was the most prolific author. Cureus, SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, and Frontiers in Public Health were the first three most productive journals; 59% of the 175 articles had either the first or last author affiliated with an institution in the ESC, and 19% of the articles were country-focused: Trinidad and Tobago (16/175), Jamaica (9/175), Barbados (5/175), and Antigua and Barbuda (2/175). Among the top themes of research, 27% were outbreak response and rearrangements, epidemiological studies (23%), clinical management (23%), and medical education (13%). Over the last two years, an interest stimulated by the pandemic has expanded the research in ESC countries. However, gaps in the knowledge exist, especially in the epidemiology of COVID-19 complications in the sub-populations of chronic non-communicable diseases, post-COVID syndrome, and the long-COVID syndrome in the region. Hence, there is enormous scope for more research across the region.
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Jazdarehee A, Huget-Penner S, Pawlowska M. Pseudo-pheochromocytoma due to obstructive sleep apnea: a case report. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2022; 2022:21-0100. [PMID: 35212265 PMCID: PMC8897593 DOI: 10.1530/edm-21-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition of intermittent nocturnal upper airway obstruction. OSA increases sympathetic drive which may result in clinical and biochemical features suggestive of pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a 2.9-cm left adrenal incidentaloma on CT, hypertension, symptoms of headache, anxiety and diaphoresis, and persistently elevated 24-h urine norepinephrine (initially 818 nmol/day (89-470)) and normetanephrine (initially 11.2 µmol/day (0.6-2.7)). He was started on prazosin and underwent left adrenalectomy. Pathology revealed an adrenal corticoadenoma with no evidence of pheochromocytoma. Over the next 2 years, urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine remained significantly elevated with no MIBG avid disease. Years later, he was diagnosed with severe OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Urine testing done once OSA was well controlled revealed complete normalization of urine norepinephrine and normetanephrine with substantial symptom improvement. It was concluded that the patient never had a pheochromocytoma but rather an adrenal adenoma with biochemistry and symptoms suggestive of pheochromocytoma due to untreated severe OSA. Pseudo-pheochromocytoma is a rare presentation of OSA and should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines in the right clinical setting. LEARNING POINTS Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among adults. OSA may rarely present as pseudo-pheochromocytoma with symptoms of pallor, palpitations, perspiration, headache, or anxiety. OSA should be considered on the differential of elevated urine catecholamines and metanephrines, especially in patients with negative metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan results.
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Key Words
- adolescent/young adult
- adult
- geriatric
- neonatal
- paediatric
- pregnant adult
- female
- male
- american indian or alaska native
- asian - bangladeshi
- asian - chinese
- asian - filipino
- asian - indian
- asian - japanese
- asian - korean
- asian - pakistani
- asian - vietnamese
- asian - other
- black - african
- black - caribbean
- black - other
- hispanic or latino - central american or south american
- hispanic or latino - cuban
- hispanic or latino - dominican
- hispanic or latino - mexican, mexican american, chicano
- hispanic or latino - puerto rican
- hispanic or latino - other
- native hawaiian/other pacific islander
- white
- other
- afghanistan
- aland islands
- albania
- algeria
- american samoa
- andorra
- angola
- anguilla
- antarctica
- antigua and barbuda
- argentina
- armenia
- aruba
- australia
- austria
- azerbaijan
- bahamas
- bahrain
- bangladesh
- barbados
- belarus
- belgium
- belize
- benin
- bermuda
- bhutan
- bolivia
- bosnia and herzegovina
- botswana
- bouvet island
- brazil
- british indian ocean territory
- brunei darussalam
- bulgaria
- burkina faso
- burundi
- cambodia
- cameroon
- canada
- cape verde
- cayman islands
- central african republic
- chad
- chile
- china
- christmas island
- cocos (keeling) islands
- colombia
- comoros
- congo
- congo, the democratic republic of the
- cook islands
- costa rica
- côte d'ivoire
- croatia
- cuba
- cyprus
- czech republic
- denmark
- djibouti
- dominica
- dominican republic
- ecuador
- egypt
- el salvador
- equatorial guinea
- eritrea
- estonia
- ethiopia
- falkland islands (malvinas)
- faroe islands
- fiji
- finland
- france
- french guiana
- french polynesia
- french southern territories
- gabon
- gambia
- georgia
- germany
- ghana
- gibraltar
- greece
- greenland
- grenada
- guadeloupe
- guam
- guatemala
- guernsey
- guinea
- guinea-bissau
- guyana
- haiti
- heard island and mcdonald islands
- holy see (vatican city state)
- honduras
- hong kong
- hungary
- iceland
- india
- indonesia
- iran, islamic republic of
- iraq
- ireland
- isle of man
- israel
- italy
- jamaica
- japan
- jersey
- jordan
- kazakhstan
- kenya
- kiribati
- korea, democratic people's republic of
- korea, republic of
- kuwait
- kyrgyzstan
- lao people's democratic republic
- latvia
- lebanon
- lesotho
- liberia
- libyan arab jamahiriya
- liechtenstein
- lithuania
- luxembourg
- macao
- macedonia, the former yugoslav republic of
- madagascar
- malawi
- malaysia
- maldives
- mali
- malta
- marshall islands
- martinique
- mauritania
- mauritius
- mayotte
- mexico
- micronesia, federated states of
- moldova, republic of
- monaco
- mongolia
- montenegro
- montserrat
- morocco
- mozambique
- myanmar
- namibia
- nauru
- nepal
- netherlands
- netherlands antilles
- new caledonia
- new zealand
- nicaragua
- niger
- nigeria
- niue
- norfolk island
- northern mariana islands
- norway
- oman
- pakistan
- palau
- palestinian territory, occupied
- panama
- papua new guinea
- paraguay
- peru
- philippines
- pitcairn
- poland
- portugal
- puerto rico
- qatar
- réunion
- romania
- russian federation
- rwanda
- saint barthélemy
- saint helena
- saint kitts and nevis
- saint lucia
- saint martin
- saint pierre and miquelon
- saint vincent and the grenadines
- samoa
- san marino
- sao tome and principe
- saudi arabia
- senegal
- serbia
- seychelles
- sierra leone
- singapore
- slovakia
- slovenia
- solomon islands
- somalia
- south africa
- south georgia and the south sandwich islands
- spain
- sri lanka
- sudan
- suriname
- svalbard and jan mayen
- swaziland
- sweden
- switzerland
- syrian arab republic
- taiwan, province of china
- tajikistan
- tanzania, united republic of
- thailand
- timor-leste
- togo
- tokelau
- tonga
- trinidad and tobago
- tunisia
- turkey
- turkmenistan
- turks and caicos islands
- tuvalu
- uganda
- ukraine
- united arab emirates
- united kingdom
- united states
- united states minor outlying islands
- uruguay
- uzbekistan
- vanuatu
- vatican city state
- venezuela
- viet nam
- virgin islands, british
- virgin islands, u.s.
- wallis and futuna
- western sahara
- yemen
- zambia
- zimbabwe
- maylaysia
- adipose tissue
- adrenal
- bone
- duodenum
- heart
- hypothalamus
- kidney
- liver
- ovaries
- pancreas
- parathyroid
- pineal
- pituitary
- placenta
- skin
- stomach
- testes
- thymus
- thyroid
- andrology
- autoimmunity
- cardiovascular endocrinology
- developmental endocrinology
- diabetes
- emergency
- endocrine disruptors
- endocrine-related cancer
- epigenetics
- genetics and mutation
- growth factors
- gynaecological endocrinology
- immunology
- infectious diseases
- late effects of cancer therapy
- mineral
- neuroendocrinology
- obesity
- ophthalmology
- paediatric endocrinology
- puberty
- tumours and neoplasia
- vitamin d
- 17ohp
- acth
- adiponectin
- adrenaline
- aldosterone
- amh
- androgens
- androstenedione
- androsterone
- angiotensin
- antidiuretic hormone
- atrial natriuretic hormone
- avp
- beta-endorphin
- big igf2
- brain natriuretic peptide
- calcitonin
- calcitriol
- cck
- corticosterone
- corticotrophin
- cortisol
- cortisone
- crh
- dehydroepiandrostenedione
- deoxycorticosterone
- deoxycortisol
- dhea
- dihydrotestosterone
- dopamine
- endothelin
- enkephalin
- epitestosterone
- epo
- fgf23
- fsh
- gastrin
- gh
- ghrelin
- ghrh
- gip
- glp1
- glp2
- glucagon
- glucocorticoids
- gnrh
- gonadotropins
- hcg
- hepcidin
- histamine
- human placental lactogen
- hydroxypregnenolone
- igf1
- igf2
- inhibin
- insulin
- kisspeptin
- leptin
- lh
- melanocyte-stimulating hormone
- melatonin
- metanephrines
- mineralocorticoids
- motilin
- nandrolone
- neuropeptide y
- noradrenaline
- normetanephrine
- oestetrol (e4)
- oestradiol (e2)
- oestriol (e3)
- oestrogens
- oestrone (e1)
- osteocalcin
- oxyntomodulin
- oxytocin
- pancreatic polypeptide
- peptide yy
- pregnenolone
- procalcitonin
- progesterone
- prolactin
- prostaglandins
- pth
- relaxin
- renin
- resistin
- secretin
- somatostatin
- testosterone
- thpo
- thymosin
- thymulin
- thyroxine (t4)
- trh
- triiodothyronine (t3)
- tsh
- vip
- 17-alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase deficiency
- 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency
- 3-m syndrome
- 22q11 deletion syndrome
- 49xxxxy syndrome
- abscess
- acanthosis nigricans
- acromegaly
- acute adrenocortical insufficiency
- addisonian crisis
- addison's disease
- adenocarcinoma
- aip gene mutation
- adrenal insufficiency
- adrenal salt-wasting crisis
- adrenarche
- adrenocortical adenoma
- adrenocortical carcinoma
- adrenoleukodystrophy
- aip gene variant
- amenorrhoea (primary)
- amenorrhoea (secondary)
- amyloid goitre
- amyloidosis
- anaplastic thyroid cancer
- anaemia
- aneuploidy
- androgen insensitivity syndrome
- anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome
- asthma
- autoimmune disorders
- autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome 1
- autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome 2
- autoimmune polyglandular syndrome
- autoimmune hypophysitis
- autosomal dominant hypophosphataemic rickets
- autosomal dominant osteopetrosis
- bardet-biedl syndrome
- bartter syndrome
- bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
- biliary calculi
- breast cancer
- brenner tumour
- brown tumour
- burkitt's lymphoma
- casr gene mutation
- catecholamine secreting carotid body paraganglionoma
- cancer-prone syndrome
- carcinoid syndrome
- carcinoid tumour
- carney complex
- carotid body paraganglioma
- c-cell hyperplasia
- cerebrospinal fluid leakage
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- circadian rhythm sleep disorders
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- congenital hypothyroidism
- congenital hyperinsulinism
- conn's syndrome
- corticotrophic adenoma
- craniopharyngioma
- cretinism
- crohn's disease
- cryptorchidism
- cushing's disease
- cushing's syndrome
- cystolithiasis
- de quervain's thyroiditis
- denys-drash syndrome
- desynchronosis
- developmental abnormalities
- diabetes - lipoatrophic
- diabetes - mitochondrial
- diabetes - steroid-induced
- diabetes insipidus - dipsogenic
- diabetes insipidus - gestational
- diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
- diabetes insipidus - neurogenic/central
- diabetes mellitus type 1
- diabetes mellitus type 2
- diabetic foot syndrome
- diabetic hypoglycaemia
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- diabetic muscle infarction
- diabetic nephropathy
- diverticular disease
- donohue syndrome
- down syndrome
- eating disorders
- ectopic acth syndrome
- ectopic cushing's syndrome
- ectopic parathyroid adenoma
- empty sella syndrome
- endometrial cancer
- endometriosis
- eosinophilic myositis
- euthyroid sick syndrome
- familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia
- familial dysalbuminaemic hyperthyroxinaemia
- familial euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia
- fat necrosis
- female athlete triad syndrome
- fetal demise
- fetal macrosomia
- follicular thyroid cancer
- fractures
- frasier syndrome
- friedreich's ataxia
- functional parathyroid cyst
- galactorrhoea
- gastrinoma
- gastritis
- gastrointestinal perforation
- gastrointestinal stromal tumour
- gck mutation
- gender identity disorder
- gestational diabetes mellitus
- giant ovarian cysts
- gigantism
- gitelman syndrome
- glucagonoma
- glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism
- glycogen storage disease
- goitre
- goitre (multinodular)
- gonadal dysgenesis
- gonadoblastoma
- gonadotrophic adenoma
- gorham's disease
- granuloma
- granulosa cell tumour
- graves' disease
- graves' ophthalmopathy
- growth hormone deficiency (adult)
- growth hormone deficiency (childhood onset)
- gynaecomastia
- hamman's syndrome
- haemorrhage
- hajdu-cheney syndrome
- hashimoto's disease
- hemihypertrophy
- hepatitis c
- hereditary multiple osteochondroma
- hirsutism
- histiocytosis
- huntington's disease
- hürthle cell adenoma
- hyperaldosteronism
- hyperandrogenism
- hypercalcaemia
- hypercalcaemic crisis
- hyperglucogonaemia
- hyperglycaemia
- hypergonadotropic hypogonadism
- hypergonadotropism
- hyperinsulinaemia
- hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
- hyperkalaemia
- hyperlipidaemia
- hypernatraemia
- hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
- hyperparathyroidism (primary)
- hyperparathyroidism (secondary)
- hyperparathyroidism (tertiary)
- hyperpituitarism
- hyperprolactinaemia
- hypersexuality
- hypertension
- hyperthyroidism
- hypoaldosteronism
- hypocalcaemia
- hypoestrogenism
- hypoglycaemia
- hypoglycaemic coma
- hypogonadism
- hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
- hypoinsulinaemia
- hypokalaemia
- hyponatraemia
- hypoparathyroidism
- hypophosphataemia
- hypophosphatasia
- hypophysitis
- hypopituitarism
- hypothyroidism
- iatrogenic disorder
- idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
- idiopathic pituitary hyperplasia
- igg4-related systemic disease
- inappropriate tsh secretion
- incidentaloma
- infertility
- insulin autoimmune syndrome
- insulin resistance
- insulinoma
- intracranial vasospasm
- intrauterine growth retardation
- iodine allergy
- ischaemic heart disease
- kallmann syndrome
- ketoacidosis
- klinefelter syndrome
- kwashiorkor
- kwashiorkor (marasmic)
- leg ulcer
- laron syndrome
- latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (lada)
- laurence-moon syndrome
- left ventricular hypertrophy
- leukocytoclastic vasculitis
- leydig cell tumour
- lipodystrophy
- lipomatosis
- liver failure
- lung metastases
- luteoma
- lymphadenopathy
- macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
- macronodular hyperplasia
- macroprolactinoma
- marasmus
- maturity onset diabetes of young (mody)
- mccune-albright syndrome
- mckittrick-wheelock syndrome
- medullary thyroid cancer
- meigs syndrome
- membranous nephropathy
- men1
- men2a
- men2b
- men4
- menarche
- meningitis
- menopause
- metabolic acidosis
- metabolic syndrome
- metastatic carcinoma
- metastatic chromaffin cell tumour
- metastatic gastrinoma
- metastatic melanoma
- metastatic tumour
- microadenoma
- microprolactinoma
- motor neurone disease
- myasthenia gravis
- myelolipoma
- myocardial infarction
- myositis
- myotonic dystrophy type 1
- myotonic dystrophy type 2
- myxoedema
- myxoedema coma
- nelson's syndrome
- neonatal diabetes
- nephrolithiasis
- neuroblastoma
- neuroendocrine tumour
- neurofibromatosis
- nodular hyperplasia
- non-functioning pituitary adenoma
- non-hodgkin lymphoma
- non-islet-cell tumour hypoglycaemia
- noonan syndrome
- oculocerebrorenal syndrome
- osteogenesis imperfecta
- osteomalacia
- osteomyelitis
- osteoporosis
- osteoporosis (pregnancy/lactation-associated)
- osteosclerosis
- ovarian cancer
- ovarian dysgenesis
- ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- ovarian tumour
- paget's disease
- paget's disease (juvenille)
- pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour
- pancreatitis
- panhypopituitarism
- papillary thyroid cancer
- paraganglioma
- paranasal sinus lesion
- paraneoplastic syndromes
- parasitic thyroid nodules
- parathyroid adenoma
- parathyroid adenoma (ectopic)
- parathyroid carcinoma
- parathyroid cyst
- parathroid hyperplasia
- pcos
- periodontal disease
- phaeochromocytoma
- phaeochromocytoma crisis
- pickardt syndrome
- pituitary abscess
- pituitary adenoma
- pituitary apoplexy
- pituitary carcinoma
- pituitary cyst
- pituitary haemorrhage
- pituitary hyperplasia
- pituitary hypoplasia
- pituitary tumour (malignant)
- plurihormonal pituitary adenoma
- poems syndrome
- polycythaemia
- porphyria
- pneumonia
- posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
- post-prandial hypoglycaemia
- prader-willi syndrome
- prediabetes
- pre-eclampsia
- pregnancy
- premature ovarian failure
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- premenstrual syndrome
- primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
- prolactinoma
- prostate cancer
- pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1
- pseudohypoaldosteronism type 2
- pseudohypoparathyroidism
- psychosocial short stature
- puberty (delayed or absent)
- puberty (precocious)
- pulmonary oedema
- quadrantanopia
- rabson-mendenhall syndrome
- rhabdomyolysis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- rickets
- schwannoma
- sellar reossification
- sertoli cell tumour
- sertoli-leydig cell tumour
- sexual development disorders
- sheehan's syndrome
- short stature
- siadh
- small-cell carcinoma
- small intestine neuroendocrine tumour
- solitary fibrous tumour
- solitary sellar plasmacytoma
- somatostatinoma
- somatotrophic adenoma
- squamous cell thyroid carcinoma
- stiff person syndrome
- struma ovarii
- subcutaneous insulin resistance
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- takotsubo cardiomyopathy
- tarts
- testicular cancer
- thecoma
- thyroid adenoma
- thyroid carcinoma
- thyroid cyst
- thyroid dysgenesis
- thyroid fibromatosis
- thyroid hormone resistance syndrome
- thyroid lymphoma
- thyroid nodule
- thyroid storm
- thyroiditis
- thyrotoxicosis
- thyrotrophic adenoma
- traumatic brain injury
- tuberculosis
- tuberous sclerosis complex
- tumour-induced osteomalacia
- turner syndrome
- unilateral adrenal hyperplasia
- ureterolithiasis
- urolithiasis
- von hippel-lindau disease
- wagr syndrome
- waterhouse-friderichsen syndrome
- williams syndrome
- wolcott-rallison syndrome
- wolfram syndrome
- xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis
- xlaad/ipex
- zollinger-ellison syndrome
- abdominal adiposity
- abdominal distension
- abdominal cramp
- abdominal discomfort
- abdominal guarding
- abdominal lump
- abdominal pain
- abdominal tenderness
- abnormal posture
- abdominal wall defects
- abrasion
- acalculia
- accelerated growth
- acne
- acrochorda
- acroosteolysis
- acute stress reaction
- adverse breast development
- aggression
- agitation
- agnosia
- akathisia
- akinesia
- albuminuria
- alcohol intolerance
- alexia
- alopecia
- altered level of consciousness
- amaurosis
- amaurosis fugax
- ambiguous genitalia
- amblyopia
- amenorrhoea
- ameurosis
- amnesia
- amusia
- anasarca
- angiomyxoma
- anhedonia
- anisocoria
- ankle swelling
- anorchia
- anorectal malformations
- anorexia
- anosmia
- anosognosia
- anovulation
- antepartum haemorrhage
- anuria
- anxiety
- apathy
- aphasia
- aphonia
- apnoea
- appendicitis
- appetite increase
- appetite reduction/loss
- apraxia
- aqueductal stenosis
- arteriosclerosis
- arthralgia
- articulation impairment
- ascites
- asperger syndrome
- asphyxia
- asthenia
- astigmatism
- asymptomatic
- ataxia
- atrial fibrillation
- atrial myxoma
- atrophy
- adhd
- autism
- autonomic neuropathy
- avulsion
- babinski's sign
- back pain
- bacteraemia
- behavioural problems
- belching
- bifid scrotum
- biliary colic
- bitemporal hemianopsia
- blindness
- blistering
- bloating
- bloody show
- boil(s)
- bone cyst
- bone fracture(s)
- bone lesions
- bone pain
- bony metastases
- borborygmus
- bowel movements - bleeding
- bowel movements - increased frequency
- bowel movements - pain
- bowel obstruction
- bowel perforation
- brachycephaly
- brachydactyly
- bradycardia
- bradykinesia
- bradyphrenia
- bradypnea
- breast contour change
- breast enlargement
- breast lump
- breast reduction
- breast tenderness
- breastfeeding difficulties
- breathing difficulties
- bronchospasms
- brushfield spots
- bruxism
- buffalo hump
- cachexia
- calcification
- cardiac fibrosis
- cardiac malformations
- cardiac tamponade
- cardiogenic shock
- cardiomegaly
- cardiomyopathy
- cardiopulmonary arrest
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- caruncle - inflammation
- cataplexy
- cataract(s)
- catathrenia
- central obesity
- cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea
- cervical pain
- cheeks - full
- cheiloschisis
- chemosis
- chest pain
- chest pain (pleuritic)
- chest pain (precordial)
- cheyne-stokes respiration
- chills
- cholecystitis
- cholestasis
- chondrocalcinosis
- chordee
- chorea
- choroidal atrophy
- chronic pain
- circulatory collapse
- cirrhosis
- citraturia
- claudication
- clitoromegaly
- cloacal exstrophy
- clonus
- club foot
- clumsiness
- coagulopathy
- coarctation
- coeliac disease
- cognitive problems
- cold intolerance
- collapse
- colour blindness
- coma
- concentration difficulties
- confusion
- congenital heart defect
- conjunctivitis
- constipation
- convulsions
- coordination difficulties
- coughing
- crackles
- cramps
- craniofacial abnormalities
- craniotabes
- cutaneous ischaemia
- cutaneous myxoma
- cutaneous pigmentation
- cyanosis
- dalrymple's sign
- deafness
- deep vein thrombosis
- dehydration
- delayed puberty
- delirium
- dementia
- dental abscess(es)
- dental problems
- depression
- diabetes insipidus
- diabetic neuropathy
- diabetic foot infection
- diabetic foot neuropathy
- diabetic foot ulceration
- diarrhoea
- diplopia
- dizziness
- duodenal atresia
- duplex kidney(s)
- dysarthria
- dysdiadochokinesia
- dysgraphia
- dyslexia
- dyslipidaemia
- dysmenorrhoea
- dyspareunia
- dyspepsia
- dysphagia
- dysphonia
- dysphoria
- dyspnoea
- dystonia
- dysuria
- ear, nose and/or throat infection
- early menarche
- ears - low set
- ears - pinna abnormalities
- ears - small
- ecchymoses
- ectopic ureter
- emotional immaturity
- encopresis
- endometrial hyperplasia
- enlarged bladder
- enlarged prostate
- eosinophilia
- epicanthic fold
- epilepsy
- epistaxis
- erectile dysfunction
- erythema
- euphoria
- eyebrows - bushy
- eyelid retraction
- eyelid swelling
- eyelids - redness
- eyes - almond-shaped
- eyes - dry
- eyes - feeling of grittiness
- eyes - inflammation
- eyes - irritation
- eyes - itching
- eyes - pain (gazing down)
- eyes - pain (gazing up)
- eyes - redness
- eyes - watering
- face - change in appearance
- face - coarse features
- face - numbness
- facial fullness
- facial palsy
- facial plethora
- facial weakness
- facies - abnormal
- facies - hippocratic
- facies - moon
- faecal incontinence
- failure to thrive
- fallopian tube hyperplasia
- fasciculation
- fatigue
- fatigue (post-exertional)
- feet - cold
- feet - increased size
- feet - large
- feet - pain
- feet - small
- fingers - thick
- flaccid paralysis
- flatulence
- flushing
- fontanelles - enlarged
- frontal bossing
- fungating lesion
- fungating mass
- funny turns
- gait abnormality
- gait unsteadiness
- gallbladder calculi
- gallstones
- gangrene
- gastro-oesophageal reflux
- genital oedema
- genu valgum
- genu varum
- gestational diabetes
- glaucoma
- glucose intolerance
- glucosuria
- growth hormone deficiency
- growth retardation
- haematemesis
- haematochezia
- haematoma
- haematuria
- haemoglobinuria
- haemoptysis
- hair - coarse
- hair - dry
- hair - temporal balding
- hairline - low
- hallucination
- hands - enlargement
- hands - large
- hands - single palmar crease
- hands - small
- head - large
- headache
- hearing loss
- heart failure
- heart murmur
- heat intolerance
- height loss
- hemiballismus
- hemianopia
- hemiparesis
- hemispatial neglect
- hepatic cysts
- hepatic metastases
- hepatomegaly
- hidradenitis suppurativa
- high-arched palate
- hip dislocation
- hippocampal dysgenesis
- hirschsprung's disease
- hot flushes
- hydronephrosis
- hypolipidaemia
- hyperactivity
- hyperacusis
- hyperandrogenaemia
- hypercalciuria
- hypercapnea
- hypercholesterolaemia
- hypercortisolaemia
- hyperflexibility
- hyperglucagonaemia
- hyperhidrosis
- hyperhomocysteinaemia
- hypernasal speech
- hyperopia
- hyperoxaluria
- hyperpigmentation
- hyperplasia
- hyperpnoea
- hypersalivation
- hyperseborrhea
- hypersomnia
- hyperthermia
- hypertrichosis
- hypertrophy
- hyperuricaemia
- hyperventilation
- hypoadrenalism
- hypoalbuminaemia
- hypocalciuria
- hypocitraturia
- hypomagnesaemia
- hypopigmentation
- hypoplastic scrotum
- hypopotassaemia
- hypoprolactinaemia
- hyporeflexia
- hyposmia
- hypospadias
- hypotension
- hypothermia
- hypotonia
- hypoventilation
- hypovitaminosis d
- hypovolaemia
- hypovolaemic shock
- hypoxia
- immunodeficiency
- impulsivity
- inattention
- infections
- inflexibility
- insomnia
- instability
- intussusception
- irritability
- ischaemia
- ischuria
- itching
- jaundice
- keratoconus
- ketonuria
- ketotic odour
- kidney dysplasia
- kidney stones
- kyphoscoliosis
- kyphosis
- labioscrotal fold abnormalities
- laceration
- late dentition
- learning difficulties
- leg pain
- legs - increased length
- leukaemia
- leukocytosis
- libido increase
- libido reduction/loss
- lichen sclerosus
- lips - dry
- lips - thin
- little finger - in-curved
- little finger - short
- liver masses
- lordosis
- lordosis (loss of)
- lymphadenectomy
- lymphadenitis
- lymphocytosis
- lymphoedema
- macroglossia
- malaise
- malaise (post-exertional)
- malodorous perspiration
- mania
- marcus gunn pupil
- mastalgia
- meckel's diverticulum
- melena
- menorrhagia
- menstrual disorder
- mesenteric ischaemia
- metabolic alkalosis
- microalbuminuria
- microcephaly
- micrognathia
- micropenis
- milk-alkali syndrome
- miscarriage
- mood changes/swings
- mouth - down-turned
- mouth - small
- movement - limited range of
- mucosal pigmentation
- muscle atrophy
- muscle freezing
- muscle hypertrophy
- muscle rigidity
- myalgia
- myasthaenia
- mydriasis
- myelodysplasia
- myeloma
- myoclonus
- myodesopsia
- myokymia
- myopathy
- myopia
- myosis
- nail clubbing
- nail dystrophy
- nasal obstruction
- nausea
- neck - loose skin (nape)
- neck - short
- neck mass
- neck pain/discomfort
- necrolytic migratory erythema
- necrosis
- nephrocalcinosis
- nephropathy
- neurofibromas
- night terrors
- nipple change
- nipple discharge
- nipple inversion
- nipple retraction
- nipples widely spaced
- nocturia
- normochromic normocytic anaemia
- nose - depressed bridge
- nose - flat bridge
- nose - thickening
- nystagmus
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- obstetrical haemorrhage
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- odynophagia
- oedema
- oesophageal atresia
- oesophagitis
- oligomenorrhoea
- oliguria
- onychauxis
- oophoritis
- ophthalmoplegia
- optic atrophy
- orbital fat prolapse
- orbital hypertelorism
- orthostatic hypotension
- osteoarthritis
- osteopenia
- otitis media
- ovarian cysts
- ovarian hyperplasia
- palatoschisis
- pallor
- palmar erythema
- palpebral fissure (downslanted)
- palpebral fissure (extended)
- palpebral fissure (reduced)
- palpebral fissure (upslanted)
- palpitations
- pancreatic fibrosis
- pancytopaenia
- panic attacks
- papilloedema
- paraesthesia
- paralysis
- paranoia
- patellar dislocation
- patellar subluxation
- pedal ulceration
- pellagra
- pelvic mass
- pelvic pain
- penile agenesis
- peptic ulcer
- pericardial effusion
- periodontitis
- periosteal bone reactions
- peripheral oedema
- personality change
- pes cavus
- petechiae
- peyronie's disease
- pharyngitis
- philtrum - long
- philtrum - short
- phosphaturia
- photophobia
- photosensitivity
- pleurisy
- poikiloderma
- polydactyly
- polydipsia
- polyphagia
- polyuria
- poor wound healing
- postmenopausal bleeding
- post-nasal drip
- postprandial fullness
- postural instability
- prehypertension
- premature birth
- premature labour
- prenatal growth retardation
- presbyopia
- pretibial myxoedema
- proctalgia fugax
- prognathism
- proptosis
- prosopagnosia
- proteinuria
- pruritus
- pruritus scroti
- pruritus vulvae
- pseudarthrosis
- psoriatic arthritis
- psychiatric problems
- psychomotor retardation
- psychosis
- pterygium colli
- ptosis
- puberty (delayed/absent)
- puberty (early/precocious)
- puffiness
- pulmonary embolism
- purpura
- pyelonephritis
- pyloric stenosis
- pyrexia
- pyrosis
- pyuria
- rash
- rectal pain
- rectorrhagia
- refractory anemia
- reluctance to weight-bear
- renal agenesis
- renal clubbing
- renal colic
- renal cyst
- renal failure
- renal insufficiency
- renal phosphate wasting (isolated)
- renal tubular acidosis
- respiratory failure
- reticulocytosis
- retinitis pigmentosa
- retinopathy
- retrobulbar pain
- retrograde ejaculation
- retroperitoneal fibrosis
- salivary gland swelling
- salpingitis
- salt craving
- salt wasting
- sarcoidosis
- schizophrenia
- scoliosis
- scotoma
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- seizures
- sensory loss
- sepsis
- septic arthritis
- septic shock
- shivering
- singultus
- sinusitis
- sixth nerve palsy
- skeletal deformity
- skeletal dysplasia
- skin - texture change
- skin infections
- skin necrosis
- skin pigmentation - spotty
- skin thickening
- skin thinning
- sleep apnoea
- sleep difficulties
- sleep disturbance
- sleep hyperhidrosis
- slow growth
- slurred speech
- social difficulties
- soft tissue swelling
- somnambulism
- somniloquy
- somnolence
- sore throat
- spasms
- spastic paraplegia
- spasticity
- speech delay
- spider naevi
- splenomegaly
- sputum production
- steatorrhoea
- stomatitis
- strabismus
- strangury
- striae
- stridor
- stroke
- subfertility
- suicidal ideation
- supraclavicular fat pads
- supranuclear gaze palsy
- sweating
- syncope
- syndactyly
- tachycardia
- tachypnoea
- teeth gapping
- telangiectasias
- telecanthus
- tetraparesis
- t-reflex (absent)
- t-reflex (depressed)
- tetany
- thermodysregulation
- thrombocytopenia
- thrombocytosis
- thrombophilia
- thrush
- tics
- tinnitus
- toe clubbing
- toe deformities
- toes - thick
- toes - widely spaced
- tongue - protruding
- tracheo-oesophageal compression
- tracheo-oesophageal fistula
- tremulousness
- tricuspid insufficiency
- umbilical hernia
- uraemia
- ureter duplex
- uricaemia
- urinary frequency
- urinary incontinence
- urogenital sinus
- urticaria
- uterine hyperplasia
- uterus duplex
- vagina duplex
- vaginal bleeding
- vaginal discharge
- vaginal dryness
- vaginal pain/tenderness
- vaginism
- ventricular fibrillation
- ventricular hypertrophy
- vertigo
- viraemia
- virilisation (abnormal)
- vision - acuity reduction
- vision - blurred
- visual disturbance
- visual field defect
- visual impairment
- visual loss
- vitiligo
- vocal cord paresis
- vomiting
- von graefe's sign
- weight gain
- weight loss
- wheezing
- widened joint space(s)
- xeroderma
- xerostomia
- 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy mandelic acid
- 17-hydroxypregnenolone (urine)
- 17-ketosteroids
- 25-hydroxyvitamin-d3
- 5hiaa
- aberrant adrenal receptors
- acid-base balance
- acth stimulation
- activated partial thromboplastin time
- acyl-ghrelin
- adrenal antibodies
- adrenal function
- adrenal scintigraphy
- adrenal venous sampling
- afp tumour marker
- alanine aminotransferase
- albumin
- albumin to creatinine ratio
- aldosterone (24-hour urine)
- aldosterone (blood)
- aldosterone (plasma)
- aldosterone (serum)
- aldosterone to renin ratio
- alkaline phosphatase
- alkaline phosphatase (bone-specific)
- alpha-fetoprotein
- ammonia
- amniocentesis
- amylase
- angiography
- anion gap
- anti-acetylcholine antibodies
- anticardiolipin antibody
- anti-insulin antibodies
- anti-islet cell antibody
- anti-gh antibodies
- antinuclear antibody
- anti-tyrosine phosphatase antibodies
- asvs
- barium studies
- basal insulin
- base excess
- apolipoprotein h
- beta-hydroxybutyrate
- bicarbonate
- bilirubin
- biopsy
- blood film
- blood pressure
- bmi
- body fat mass
- bone age
- bone biopsy
- bone mineral content
- bone mineral density
- bone mineral density test
- bone scintigraphy
- bone sialoprotein
- bound insulin
- brca1/brca2
- c1np
- c3 complement
- c4 complement
- ca125
- calcifediol
- calcium (serum)
- calcium (urine)
- calcium to creatinine clearance ratio
- carcinoembryonic antigen
- cardiac index
- catecholamines (24-hour urine)
- catecholamines (plasma)
- cd-56
- chemokines
- chest auscultation
- chloride
- chorionic villus sampling
- chromatography
- chromogranin a
- chromosomal analysis
- clomid challenge
- clonidine suppression
- collagen
- colonoscopy
- colposcopy
- continuous glucose monitoring
- core needle biopsy
- corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test
- cortisol (9am)
- cortisol (plasma)
- cortisol (midnight)
- cortisol (salivary)
- cortisol (serum)
- cortisol day curve
- cortisol, free (24-hour urine)
- c-peptide (24-hour urine)
- c-peptide (blood)
- c-reactive protein
- creatinine
- creatine kinase
- creatinine (24-hour urine)
- creatinine (serum)
- creatinine clearance
- crh stimulation
- ctpa scan
- ct scan
- c-telopeptide
- cytokines
- deoxypyridinoline
- dexa scan
- dexamethasone suppression
- dexamethasone suppression (high dose)
- dexamethasone suppression (low dose)
- dhea sulphate
- discectomy
- dldl cholesterol
- dmsa scan
- dna sequencing
- domperidone
- down syndrome screening
- ductal lavage
- echocardiogram
- eeg
- electrocardiogram
- electrolytes
- electromyography
- endoscopic ultrasound
- endoscopy
- endosonography
- enzyme immunoassay
- epinephrine (plasma)
- epinephrine (urine)
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- estimated glomerular filtration rate
- ethanol ablation
- ewing and clarke autonomic function
- exercise tolerance
- fbc
- ferritin
- fine needle aspiration biopsy
- flow cytometry
- fludrocortisone suppression
- fluticasone-propionate-17-beta carboxylic acid
- fmri
- folate
- ft3
- ft4
- gada
- gallium nitrate
- gallium scan
- gastric biopsy
- genetic analysis
- genitography
- gh day curve
- gh stimulation
- gh suppression
- glp-1
- glp-2
- glucose suppression test
- glucose (blood)
- glucose (blood, fasting)
- glucose (blood, postprandial)
- glucose (urine)
- glucose tolerance
- glucose tolerance (intravenous)
- glucose tolerance (oral)
- glucose tolerance (prolonged)
- gluten sensitivity
- gnrh stimulation
- gonadotrophins
- growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 test
- gut hormones (fasting)
- haematoxylin and eosin staining
- haemoglobin
- haemoglobin a1c
- hcg (serum)
- hcg (urine)
- hcg stimulation
- hdl cholesterol
- hearing test
- heart rate
- hepatic venous sampling with arterial stimulation
- high-sensitivity c-reactive protein
- histopathology
- hla genotyping
- holter monitoring
- homa
- homocysteine
- hyaluronic acid
- hydrocortisone day curve
- hydroxyproline
- hydroxyprogesterone
- hysteroscopy
- igfbp2
- igfbp3
- igg4/igg ratio
- immunocytochemistry
- immunohistochemistry
- immunoglobulins
- immunoglobulin g2
- immunoglobulin g4
- immunoglobulin a
- immunoglobulin m
- immunostaining
- inferior petrosal sinus sampling
- inhibin b
- insulin (fasting)
- insulin suppression
- insulin tissue resistance tests
- insulin tolerance
- intracranial pressure
- irm imaging
- ketones (plasma)
- ketones (urine)
- kidney function
- lactate
- lactate dehydrogenase
- laparoscopy
- laparoscopy and dye
- laparotomy
- ldl cholesterol
- leuprolide acetate stimulation
- leukocyte esterase (urine)
- levothyroxine absorption
- lipase (serum)
- lipid profile
- liquid-based cytology
- liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
- liver biopsy
- liver function
- lumbar puncture
- lung function testing
- luteinising hormone releasing hormone test
- macroprolactin
- magnesium
- mag3 scan
- mammogram
- mantoux test
- metanephrines (plasma)
- metanephrines (urinary)
- methoxytyramine
- metoclopramide
- metyrapone cortisol day curve
- metyrapone suppression
- metyrapone test dose
- mibg scan
- microarray analysis
- molecular genetic analysis
- mri
- myocardial biopsy
- nerve conduction study
- neuroendocrine markers
- neuron-specific enolase
- norepinephrine
- ntx
- oct
- octreotide scan
- octreotide suppression test
- osmolality
- ovarian venous sampling
- p1np
- palpation
- pap test
- parathyroid scintigraphy
- pentagastrin
- perchlorate discharge
- percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
- peripheral blood film
- pet scan
- ph (blood)
- phosphate (serum)
- phosphate (urine)
- pituitary function
- plasma osmolality
- plasma viscosity
- platelet count
- pneumococcal antigen
- pneumococcal pcr
- polymerase chain reaction
- polysomnography
- porter-silber chromogens
- potassium
- pregnancy test
- proinsulin
- prostate-specific antigen
- protein electrophoresis
- protein fingerprinting
- protein folding analysis
- psychiatric assessment
- psychometric assessment
- pulse oximetry
- pyelography
- pyridinium crosslinks
- quicki
- plasma renin activity
- radioimmunoassay
- radionuclide imaging
- raiu test
- red blood cell count
- renal biopsy
- renin (24-hour urine)
- respiratory status
- renin (blood)
- renin plasma activity
- rheumatoid factor
- salt loading
- sdldl cholesterol
- secretin stimulation
- selective parathyroid venous sampling
- selective transhepatic portal venous sampling
- semen analysis
- serotonin
- serum osmolality
- serum free insulin
- sestamibi scan
- sex hormone binding globulin
- shbg
- skeletal muscle mass
- skin biopsy
- sleep diary
- sodium
- spect scan
- supervised 72-hour fast
- surgical biopsy
- sweat test
- synaptophysin
- systemic vascular resistance index
- tanner scale
- thoracocentesis
- thyroid transcription factor-1
- thyroglobulin
- thyroid antibodies
- thyroid function
- thyroid scintigraphy
- thyroid ultrasonography
- total cholesterol
- total ghrelin
- total t3
- total t4
- trabecular thickness
- transaminase
- transvaginal ultrasound
- trap 5b
- trh stimulation
- triglycerides
- triiodothyronine (t3) suppression
- troponin
- tsh receptor antibodies
- type 3 precollagen
- type 4 collagen
- ultrasound-guided biopsy
- ultrasound scan
- urea and electrolytes
- uric acid (blood)
- uric acid (urine)
- urinalysis
- urinary free cortisol
- urine 24-hour volume
- urine osmolality
- vaginal examination
- vanillylmandelic acid (24-hour urine)
- visual field assessment
- vitamin b12
- vitamin e
- waist circumference
- water deprivation
- water load
- weight
- western blotting
- white blood cell count
- white blood cell differential count
- x-ray
- zinc
- abscess drainage
- acetic acid injection
- adhesiolysis
- adrenalectomy
- amputation
- analgesics
- angioplasty
- arthrodesis
- assisted reproduction techniques
- bariatric surgery
- bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- blood transfusion
- bone grafting
- caesarean section
- cardiac transplantation
- cardiac pacemaker
- cataract extraction
- chemoembolisation
- chemotherapy
- chemoradiotherapy
- clitoroplasty
- continuous renal replacement therapy
- contraception
- cordotomy
- counselling
- craniotomy
- cryopreservation
- cryosurgical ablation
- debridement
- dialysis
- diazoxide
- diet
- duodenotomy
- endonasal endoscopic surgery
- exercise
- external fixation
- extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
- extraocular muscle surgery
- eye surgery
- eyelid surgery
- fasciotomy
- fluid repletion
- fluid restriction
- gamma knife radiosurgery
- gastrectomy
- gastrostomy
- gender reassignment surgery
- gonadectomy
- heart transplantation
- hormone replacement
- hormone suppression
- hypophysectomy
- hysterectomy
- inguinal orchiectomy
- internal fixation
- intra-cardiac defibrillator
- islet transplantation
- ivf
- kidney transplantation
- laparoscopic adrenalectomy
- laryngoplasty
- laryngoscopy
- laser lithotripsy
- light treatment
- liver transplantation
- lumpectomy
- lymph node dissection
- mastectomy
- molecularly targeted therapy
- neuroendoscopic surgery
- oophorectomy
- orbital decompression
- orbital radiation
- orchidectomy
- orthopaedic surgery
- osteotomy
- ovarian cystectomy
- ovarian diathermy
- oxygen therapy
- pancreas transplantation
- pancreatectomy
- pancreaticoduodenectomy
- parathyroidectomy
- percutaneous adrenal ablation
- percutaneous nephrolithotomy
- pericardiocentesis
- pericardiotomy
- physiotherapy
- pituitary adenomectomy
- plasma exchange
- plasmapheresis
- psychotherapy
- radiofrequency ablation
- radionuclide therapy
- radiotherapy
- reconstruction of genitalia
- resection of tumour
- right-sided hemicolectomy
- salpingo-oophorectomy
- small bowel resection
- speech and language therapy
- spinal surgery
- splenectomy
- stereotactic radiosurgery
- termination of pregnancy
- thymic transplantation
- thyroidectomy
- tracheostomy
- transcranial surgery
- transsphenoidal surgery
- transtentorial surgery
- vaginoplasty
- vagotomy
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
- 17?-estradiol
- abiraterone
- acarbose
- acetazolamide
- acetohexamide
- adalimumab
- albiglutide
- alendronate
- alogliptin
- alpha-blockers
- alphacalcidol
- alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- amiloride
- amlodipine
- amoxicillin
- anastrozole
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- angiotensin receptor antagonists
- anthracyclines
- antiandrogens
- antibiotics
- antiemetics
- antiepileptics
- antipsychotics
- antithyroid drugs
- antiseptic
- antivirals
- aripiprazole
- aromatase inhibitors
- aspirin
- astragalus membranaceus
- ativan
- atenolol
- atorvastatin
- avp receptor antagonists
- axitinib
- azathioprine
- bendroflumethiazide
- benzodiazepines
- beta-blockers
- betamethasone
- bexlosteride
- bicalutamide
- bisphosphonates
- bleomycin
- botulinum toxin
- bromocriptine
- cabergoline
- cabozantinib
- calcimimetics
- calcitonin (salmon)
- calcium
- calcium carbonate
- calcium chloride
- calcium dobesilate
- calcium edta
- calcium gluconate
- calcium-l-aspartate
- calcium polystyrene sulphonate
- canagliflozin
- capecitabine
- captopril
- carbimazole
- carboplatin
- carbutamide
- carvedilol
- ceftriaxone
- chlorothiazide
- chlorpropamide
- cholecalciferol
- cholinesterase inhibitors
- ciclosporin
- cinacalcet
- cisplatin
- clodronate
- clomifene
- clomiphene citrate
- clopidogrel
- co-cyprindiol
- codeine
- colonic polyps
- combined oral contraceptive pill
- conivaptan
- cortisone acetate
- continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion
- continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
- coumadin
- corticosteroids
- cortisol
- cyproterone acetate
- dacarbazine
- danazol
- dapagliflozin
- daunorubicin
- deferiprone
- demeclocycline
- denosumab
- desmopressin
- dexamethasone
- diazepam
- diethylstilbestrol
- digoxin
- diltiazem
- diphenhydramine
- diuretics
- docetaxel
- dopamine agonists
- dopamine antagonists
- dopamine receptor agonists
- doxazosin
- doxepin
- doxorubicin
- dpp4 inhibitors
- dutasteride
- dutogliptin
- eflornithine
- enoxaparin
- empagliflozin
- epinephrine
- epirubicin
- eplerenone
- epristeride
- equilenin
- equilin
- erlotinib
- ethinylestradiol
- etidronate
- etomidate
- etoposide
- everolimus
- exenatide
- fenofibrate
- finasteride
- fluconazole
- fluticasone
- fludrocortisone
- fluorouracil
- fluoxetine
- flutamide
- furosemide
- gaba receptor antagonists
- gefitinib
- gemcitabine
- gemigliptin
- ginkgo biloba
- glibenclamide
- glibornuride
- gliclazide
- glimepiride
- glipizide
- gliquidone
- glisoxepide
- glp1 agonists
- glucose
- glyclopyramide
- gnrh analogue
- gnrh antagonists
- heparin
- hrt (menopause)
- hydrochlorothiazide
- hydrocortisone
- ibandronate
- ibuprofen
- idarubicin
- idebenone
- imatinib
- immunoglobulin therapy
- implanon
- indapamide
- infliximab
- iron supplements
- isoniazid
- insulin aspart
- insulin glargine
- insulin glulisine
- insulin lispro
- interferon
- intrauterine system
- iopanoic acid
- ipilimumab
- ipragliflozin
- irbesartan
- izonsteride
- ketoconazole
- labetalol
- lactulose
- lanreotide
- leuprolide acetate
- levatinib
- levodopa
- levonorgestrel
- levothyroxine
- linagliptin
- liothyronine
- liraglutide
- lithium
- lisinopril
- lixivaptan
- loperamide
- loprazolam
- lormetazepam
- losartan
- low calcium formula
- magnesium glycerophosphate
- magnesium sulphate
- mecasermin
- medronate
- medroxyprogesterone acetate
- meglitinides
- menotropin
- metformin
- methadone
- methimazole
- methylprednisolone
- metoprolol
- metyrapone
- miglitol
- mitotane
- mitoxantrone
- mozavaptan
- mtor inhibitors
- multivitamins
- naproxen
- natalizumab
- nateglinide
- nelivaptan
- neridronate
- nifedipine
- nilutamide
- nitrazepam
- nivolumab
- nsaid
- octreotide
- oestradiol valerate
- olanzapine
- olpadronate
- omeprazole
- opioids
- oral contraceptives
- orlistat
- ornipressin
- otelixizumab
- oxandrolone
- oxidronate
- oxybutynin
- paclitaxel
- pamidronate
- pancreatic enzymes
- pantoprazole
- paracetamol
- paroxetine
- pasireotide
- pegvisomant
- perindopril
- phenobarbital
- phenoxybenzamine
- phosphate binders
- phosphate supplements
- phytohaemagglutinin induced interferon gamma
- pioglitazone
- plicamycin
- potassium chloride
- potassium iodide
- pramlintide
- prazosin
- prednisolone
- prednisone
- premarin
- promethazine
- propranolol
- propylthiouracil
- protease inhibitors
- proton pump inhibitors
- pyridostigmine
- quetiapine
- quinagolide
- quinestrol
- radioactive mibg
- radioactive octreotide
- radioiodine
- raloxifene
- ramipril
- relcovaptan
- remogliflozin etabonate
- repaglinide
- risperidone
- risedronate
- rituximab
- romidepsin
- rosiglitazone
- salbutamol
- saline
- salmeterol
- salt supplements
- satavaptan
- saxagliptin
- selective progesterone receptor modulators
- selenium
- sglt2 inhibitors
- sildenafil
- simvastatin
- sirolimus
- sitagliptin
- sodium bicarbonate
- sodium chloride
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate (kayexalate)
- somatostatin analogues
- sorafenib
- spironolactone
- ssris
- statins
- streptozotocin
- steroids
- strontium ranelate
- sucralfate
- sulphonylureas
- sunitinib
- tamoxifen
- taspoglutide
- temazepam
- temozolomide
- teplizumab
- terazosin
- teriparatide
- testolactone
- testosterone enanthate esters
- tetrabenazine
- thalidomide
- thiazolidinediones
- thyrotropin alpha
- tibolone
- tiludronate
- tiratricol (triac)
- tofogliflozin
- tolazamide
- tolbutamide
- tolvaptan
- tramadol
- trastuzumab
- trazodone
- triamcinolone
- triamterene
- trimipramine
- troglitazone
- tryptophan
- turosteride
- tyrosine-kinase inhibitors
- valproic acid
- valrubicin
- vandetanib
- vaptans
- vildagliptin
- vinorelbine
- voglibose
- vorinostat
- warfarin
- zaleplon
- z-drugs
- zoledronic acid
- zolpidem
- zopiclone
- cardiology
- dermatology
- gastroenterology
- general practice
- genetics
- geriatrics
- gynaecology
- nephrology
- neurology
- nursing
- obstetrics
- oncology
- otolaryngology
- paediatrics
- pathology
- podiatry
- psychology/psychiatry
- radiology/rheumatology
- rehabilitation
- surgery
- urology
- insight into disease pathogenesis or mechanism of therapy
- novel diagnostic procedure
- novel treatment
- unique/unexpected symptoms or presentations of a disease
- new disease or syndrome: presentations/diagnosis/management
- unusual effects of medical treatment
- error in diagnosis/pitfalls and caveats
- february
- 2022
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Jazdarehee
- Department of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sawyer Huget-Penner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fraser Health Authority, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Monika Pawlowska
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Abstract
This is a brief history of my intellectual life from age 13 to 29 years-and beyond. It encompasses mathematics, US history, and evolutionary biology, especially social theory based on natural selection.
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8
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Willis R, Heslop O, Bodonaik N, Thame M, Smikle M. Morbidity, mortality and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal infections in the Jamaican paediatric and adult populations. Hum Antibodies 2019; 27:155-160. [PMID: 30909200 DOI: 10.3233/hab-180361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumococcal infections are a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, complicated by the increasing antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal isolates. OBJECTIVE To evaluate morbidity and mortality associated with both invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and non-IPD in Jamaica in both the paediatric and adult population. Pneumococcal isolates (n= 94) were collected over a 2-year period (2008-2009). METHODS Risk factors for poor clinical outcomes: death, complicated disease and length of hospitalization (LOH) were evaluated and antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion. RESULTS The case fatality rate was 6.8%. Independent mortality risk factors included complicated disease [OR 30.9 (3.4-276.6)] and diabetes mellitus [OR 8.3 (1.4-48.8)]. Independent risk factors for the development of complicated disease included sickle cell disease [OR 36.5 (4.2-320.3)] and sepsis [OR 3.5 (1.2-10.4)]. The LOH was increased most in patients with invasive disease (4.6-fold) and resistance to ceftriaxone (4.3-fold). Penicillin (16.0%) and erythromycin (14.9%) resistance was most prevalent, while ceftriaxone (4.3%) resistance was least prevalent. CONCLUSIONS The high burden of IPD in at-risk groups in our population and the associated increase in morbidity and mortality underlie the need for improved preventive and therapeutic management strategies in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Willis
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences
| | | | | | - Minerva Thame
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences
| | - Monica Smikle
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences
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9
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Wright M, Adair L, James C, Amuleru-Marshall O, Peltzer K, Pengpid S, Samuels TA. The association of nutrition behaviors and physical activity with general and central obesity in Caribbean undergraduate students. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2015; 38:278-285. [PMID: 26758218 PMCID: PMC6634991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related factors in a crosssectional, observational study of Caribbean students using the results of three recent surveys of health behavior among undergraduates in Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica. METHODS A total of1 578 Caribbean undergraduate students from Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica (ages 18-30 years) completed questionnaires and had physical measurements recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association of nutrition behaviors with prevalence of obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m² ); elevated waist-to-height ratio (W/ht) (> 0.50); and high waist circumference (WC) (> 88 cm in females, > 102 cm in males). Models were adjusted for age, year in university, socioeconomic status, and sex. RESULTS There was a higher prevalence of obesity (13% versus 10%), high WC (21% versus 7%), and high W/ht (35% versus 25%) in females relative to males. Compared to females, males had reduced odds of obesity (OR 0.46), high WC (OR 0.22), and high W/ht (OR 0.61) (P < 0.05 for all). Both females (46%) and males (24%) reported high levels of physical inactivity. Fruit and vegetable consumption was low (approximately two servings per day). Many students reported avoiding fatty foods (40%); this behavior was associated with high W/ht (OR 1.68), obesity (OR 1.90), and high WC (OR 1.82) (P < 0.05 for all). Irregular breakfast consumption, age, and year of study were also positively associated with obesity. Physical activity was not significantly associated with any obesity measure. CONCLUSIONS There was a low prevalence of healthy behaviors and a high prevalence of obesity in this sample of Caribbean young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melecia Wright
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America,
| | - Linda Adair
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America,
| | - Caryl James
- University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | - Karl Peltzer
- Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Supa Pengpid
- Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - T Alafia Samuels
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Michael, Barbados
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Ferguson TS, Tulloch-Reid MK, Younger-Coleman NO, Wright-Pascoe RA, Boyne MS, Soyibo AK, Wilks RJ. Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease among Patients Attending a Specialist Diabetes Clinic in Jamaica. W INDIAN MED J 2015; 64:201-8. [PMID: 26426170 PMCID: PMC4763891 DOI: 10.7727/wimj.2014.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients attending the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) Diabetes Clinic and to determine the proportion of patients at high risk for adverse outcomes. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients attending the UHWI Diabetes Clinic between 2009 and 2010. Trained nurses administered a questionnaire, reviewed dockets, and performed urinalyses. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Albuminuria was assessed using urine test strips for protein and microalbumin. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 or albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/g creatinine. Risk of adverse outcome (all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure) was determined using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) 2012 prognosis grid. RESULTS Participants included 100 women and 32 men (mean age, 55.4 ± 12.9 years, mean duration of diabetes, 16.7 ± 11.7 years). Twenty-two per cent of participants had eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. Moderate albuminuria (30-300 mg/g) was present in 20.5% of participants and severe albuminuria (> 300 mg/g) in 62.1%. Overall prevalence of CKD was 86.3% (95%CI 80.4%, 92.2%). Based on KDIGO risk categories, 50.8% were at high risk and 17.4% at very high risk of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION Most patients at the UHWI Diabetes Clinic had CKD and were at high or very high risk of adverse outcomes. Further studies to determine the burden of CKD in other clinical settings and to identify the best strategies for preventing adverse outcomes in developing countries need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Ferguson
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute (Epidemiology Research Unit), The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
| | - M K Tulloch-Reid
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - N O Younger-Coleman
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - R A Wright-Pascoe
- Department of Medicine, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - M S Boyne
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - A K Soyibo
- Department of Medicine, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - R J Wilks
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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Tomblin Murphy G, MacKenzie A, Guy-Walker J, Walker C. Needs-based human resources for health planning in Jamaica: using simulation modelling to inform policy options for pharmacists in the public sector. Hum Resour Health 2014; 12:67. [PMID: 25481658 PMCID: PMC4292822 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-12-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Planning for human resources for health (HRH) is central to health systems strengthening around the world, including in the Caribbean and Jamaica. In an effort to align Jamaica's health workforce with the changing health needs of its people, a partnership was established between Jamaican and Canadian partners. The purpose of the work described in this paper is to describe the development and application of a needs-based HRH simulation model for pharmacists in Jamaica's largest health region. METHODS Guided by a Steering Committee of Jamaican stakeholders, a simulation modelling approach originally developed in Canada was adapted for the Jamaican context. The purpose of this approach is to promote understanding of how various factors affect the supply of and/or requirements for HRH in different scenarios, and to identify policy levers for influencing each of these under different future scenarios. This is done by integrating knowledge of different components of the health care system into a single tool that shows how changes to different parameters affect HRH supply or requirements. Data to populate the model were obtained from multiple administrative databases and key informants. Findings were validated with the Steering Committee. RESULTS The model estimated an initial shortage of 110 full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacists in the South East Region that, without intervention, would increase to a shortage of about 150 FTEs over a 15-year period. In contrast to the relatively small impact of a large enrollment increase in Jamaica's pharmacy training programme, interventions to increase recruitment of pharmacists to the public sector, or improve productivity - through, for example, the use of support staff and/or new technologies - may have much greater impact on reducing this shortage. CONCLUSIONS The model represents an improvement on the HRH planning tools previously used in Jamaica in that it supports the estimation of HRH requirements based directly on measures of population health need. Both the profession (pharmacists) and country (Jamaica) considered here are under-studied. Further investments by Jamaica's MoH in continuing to build capacity to use such models, in combination with their efforts to enhance health information systems, will support better informed HRH planning in Jamaica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Tomblin Murphy
- />WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Adrian MacKenzie
- />WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Joan Guy-Walker
- />Human Resource Management and Development, Jamaica Ministry of Health, 2-4 King Street, Kingston 10, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Claudette Walker
- />Human Resource Management and Development, Jamaica Ministry of Health, 2-4 King Street, Kingston 10, Kingston, Jamaica
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Rahbar MH, Samms-Vaughan M, Dickerson AS, Loveland KA, Ardjomand-Hessabi M, Bressler J, Shakespeare-Pellington S, Grove ML, Pearson DA, Boerwinkle E. Blood manganese concentrations in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Environ Health 2014; 13:69. [PMID: 25149876 PMCID: PMC4237806 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese is an essential element for human health and development. Previous studies have shown neurotoxic effects in children exposed to higher levels of manganese. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs social interaction and communication. Several studies have hypothesized that ASD is caused through environmental exposures during crucial stages in brain development. We investigated the possible association between blood manganese concentrations (BMC) and ASD. We also identified factors associated with BMC in typically developing (TD) Jamaican children. METHODS We used data from 109 ASD cases with their 1:1 age- and sex-matched TD controls to compare mean BMC in Jamaican children (2-8 years of age) with and without ASD. We administered a pre-tested questionnaire to assess demographic and socioeconomic information, medical history, and potential exposure to manganese. Finally, we collected 2 mL of whole blood from each child for analysis of manganese levels. Using General Linear Models (GLM), we assessed the association between BMC and ASD status. Furthermore, we used two independent sample t-tests to identify factors associated with BMC in TD children. RESULTS In univariable GLM analysis, we found no significant association between BMC and ASD, (10.9 μg/L for cases vs. 10.5 μg/L for controls; P = 0.29). In a multivariable GLM adjusting for paternal age, parental education, place of child's birth (Kingston parish), consumption of root vegetables, cabbage, saltwater fish, and cakes/buns, there was still no significant association between BMC and ASD status, (11.5 μg/L for cases vs. 11.9 μg/L for controls; P = 0.48). Our findings also indicated TD children who ate fresh water fish had a higher BMC than children who did not (11.0 μg/L vs. 9.9 μg/L; P = 0.03) as younger TD children (i.e., 2 ≤ age ≤4), (12.0 μg/L vs. 10.2 μg/L; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS While these results cannot be used to assess early exposure at potentially more susceptible time period, our findings suggest that there is no significant association between manganese exposures and ASD case status in Jamaica. Our findings also indicate that BMC in Jamaican children resemble those of children in the developed world and are much lower than those in the developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Rahbar
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, 6410 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child & Adolescent Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Aisha S Dickerson
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, 6410 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine A Loveland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Manouchehr Ardjomand-Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) component, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, 6410 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan Bressler
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | - Megan L Grove
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Deborah A Pearson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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13
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Abstract
In 1965 Jamaica was declared free of malaria by the World Health Organisation (WHO), thus ending centuries of death and suffering from the disease. This declaration followed the successful completion of the WHO’s Malaria Eradication Programme (MEP) on the island, initiated in 1958. This account first explores the antecedent control measures adopted by the government up to the MEP. These, as advocated by the previous malaria ‘experts’ who had reported on the disease on the island concentrated on controlling the vector and the administration of quinine for individual protection. Although Jamaica suffered no catastrophic epidemics of island-wide scope, malaria was a constant cause of mortality and morbidity. Major change came in the wake of the Second World War within the changing political context of national independence and international development. In 1957 the Jamaican government joined the global WHO programme to eradicate malaria. The Jamaican campaign exposes many of the problems noted in other studies of such top–down initiatives in their lack of attention to the particular circumstances of each case. Despite being described as ‘a textbook pattern’ of malaria eradication, the MEP in Jamaica suffered from a lack of sufficient preparation and field knowledge. This is most obviously illustrated by the fact that all literature on the programme sent to Jamaica in the first two years was in Spanish. That the MEP exploited the technological opportunity provided by dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) with advantage in Jamaica is not disputed but as this analysis illustrates this success was by no means guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Jones
- Research Fellow and Deputy Director, Centre for Global Health Histories, Department of History, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Email address for correspondence:
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Carter MW, Bailey A, Snead MC, Costenbader E, Townsend M, Macaluso M, Jamieson DJ, Hylton-Kong T, Warner L, Steiner MJ. Exploring discordance between biologic and self-reported measures of semen exposure: a qualitative study among female patients attending an STI clinic in Jamaica. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:728-36. [PMID: 22893195 PMCID: PMC4544859 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0286-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We explored the use of qualitative interviews to discuss discrepancies between two sources of information on unprotected sex: biomarker results and self-reported survey data. The study context was a randomized trial in Kingston, Jamaica examining the effect of STI counseling messages on recent sexual behavior using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as the primary study outcome. Twenty women were interviewed. Eleven participants were selected because they tested positive for PSA indicating recent semen exposure, yet reported no unprotected sex in a quantitative survey ("discordant"): 5 reported abstinence and 6 reported condom use. Nine participants who also tested positive for PSA but reported unprotected sex in the survey were interviewed for comparison ("concordant"). Qualitative interviews with 6 of the 11 discordant participants provided possible explanations for their PSA test results, and 5 of those were prompted by direct discussion of those results. Rapid PSA testing combined with qualitative interviews provides a novel tool for investigating and complementing self-reported sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion W Carter
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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15
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Carter M, Gallo M, Anderson C, Snead MC, Wiener J, Bailey A, Costenbader E, Legardy-Williams J, Hylton-Kong T. Intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Kingston, Jamaica. W INDIAN MED J 2013; 62:56-61. [PMID: 24171329 PMCID: PMC4450344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although common worldwide, intravaginal cleansing is associated with poor health outcomes. We sought to describe intravaginal cleansing among women attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Jamaica. METHODS We examined intravaginal cleansing ("washing up inside the vagina", douching, and products or materials used) among 293 participants in a randomized trial of counselling messages at an STI clinic in Kingston. We focussed on information on intravaginal cleansing performed in the 30 days and three days preceding their baseline study visit. We describe reported cleansing behaviours and used logistic regression to identify correlates of intravaginal cleansing. RESULTS Fifty-eight per cent of participants reported intravaginal cleansing in the previous 30 days, and 46% did so in the three days before baseline. Among those who cleansed in the previous 30 days, 88% reported doing so for hygiene unrelated to sex, and three-fourths reported generally doing so more than once per day. Soap (usually with water) and water alone were the most common products used for washing; commercial douches or detergents were reported infrequently. Intravaginal cleansing in the three days before the baseline visit was positively associated with having more than one sex partner in the previous three months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1, 3.2), and negatively associated with experiencing itching in the genital area at baseline (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of women attending STI clinics in Jamaica engage in frequent intravaginal cleansing, indicating a need for clinicians to discuss this topic with them accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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16
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Rahbar MH, Samms-Vaughan M, Loveland KA, Ardjomand-Hessabi M, Chen Z, Bressler J, Shakespeare-Pellington S, Grove ML, Bloom K, Pearson DA, Lalor GC, Boerwinkle E. Seafood consumption and blood mercury concentrations in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Neurotox Res 2013; 23:22-38. [PMID: 22488160 PMCID: PMC3969434 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-012-9321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic metal shown to have harmful effects on human health. Several studies have reported high blood mercury concentrations as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), while other studies have reported no such association. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between blood mercury concentrations in children and ASDs. Moreover, we investigated the role of seafood consumption in relation to blood mercury concentrations in Jamaican children. Based on data for 65 sex- and age-matched pairs (2-8 years), we used a General Linear Model to test whether there is an association between blood mercury concentrations and ASDs. After controlling for the child's frequency of seafood consumption, maternal age, and parental education, we did not find a significant difference (P = 0.61) between blood mercury concentrations and ASDs. However, in both cases and control groups, children who ate certain types of seafood (i.e., salt water fish, sardine, or mackerel fish) had significantly higher (all P < 0.05) geometric means blood mercury concentration which were about 3.5 times that of children living in the US or Canada. Our findings also indicate that Jamaican children with parents who both had education up to high school are at a higher risk of exposure to mercury compared to children with at least one parent who had education beyond high school. Based on our findings, we recommend additional education to Jamaican parents regarding potential hazards of elevated blood mercury concentrations, and its association with seafood consumption and type of seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H. Rahbar
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.05, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maureen Samms-Vaughan
- Department of Child Health, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Katherine A. Loveland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Center of Excellence on Development and Psychopathology, and Changing Lives Through Autism Spectrum Services (C.L.A.S.S.) Clinic, UTHealth Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Manouchehr Ardjomand-Hessabi
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.48, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongxue Chen
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.30, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan Bressler
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Megan L. Grove
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kari Bloom
- Biostatistics/Epidemiology/Research Design (BERD) Core, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6410 Fannin Street, UT Professional Building Suite 1100.08, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Deborah A. Pearson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gerald C. Lalor
- International Centre for Environmental Nuclear Science, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences (EHGES), The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
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17
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Rahbar MH, Samms-Vaughan M, Ardjomand-Hessabi M, Loveland KA, Dickerson AS, Chen Z, Bressler J, Shakespeare-Pellington S, Grove ML, Bloom K, Wirth J, Pearson DA, Boerwinkle E. The role of drinking water sources, consumption of vegetables and seafood in relation to blood arsenic concentrations of Jamaican children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sci Total Environ 2012; 433:362-70. [PMID: 22819887 PMCID: PMC3418487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a toxic metal with harmful effects on human health, particularly on cognitive function. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders manifesting in infancy or early childhood. We used data from 130 children between 2 and 8 years (65 pairs of ASD cases with age- and sex-matched control), to compare the mean total blood arsenic concentrations in children with and without ASDs in Kingston, Jamaica. Based on univariable analysis, we observed a significant difference between ASD cases and controls (4.03 μg/L for cases vs. 4.48 μg/L for controls, P<0.01). In the final multivariable General Linear Model (GLM), after controlling for car ownership, maternal age, parental education levels, source of drinking water, consumption of "yam, sweet potato, or dasheen", "carrot or pumpkin", "callaloo, broccoli, or pak choi", cabbage, avocado, and the frequency of seafood consumption per week, we did not find a significant association between blood arsenic concentrations and ASD status (4.36 μg/L for cases vs. 4.65 μg/L for controls, P=0.23). Likewise, in a separate final multivariable GLM, we found that source of drinking water, eating avocado, and eating "callaloo, broccoli, or pak choi" was significantly associated with higher blood arsenic concentrations (all three P<0.05). Based on our findings, we recommend assessment of arsenic levels in water, fruits, and vegetables, as well as increased awareness among the Jamaican population regarding potential risks for various exposures to arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Rahbar
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Success in addressing HIV and AIDS among men who have sex with men, a key population in the global epidemic, is impeded by homophobia. Homophobia as a barrier to HIV prevention and AIDS treatment is a particularly acute problem in the prison setting. In this qualitative study, we explore HIV and AIDS, stigma and homosexuality in the largest all male prison in Jamaica by conducting iterative in-depth interviews with 25 inmates. Participant narratives unveil a purposeful manipulation of beliefs related to homosexuality that impedes an effective response to HIV and AIDS both in prison and wider society. Findings indicate that homophobia is both a social construction and a tangible tool used to leverage power and a sense of solidarity in a larger political and economic landscape. This use of homophobia may not be unique to Jamaica and is an important issue to address in other low- and middle-income post-colonialist societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Andrinopoulos
- Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
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19
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Boyne MS, Bennett NR, Cooper RS, Royal-Thomas TY, Bennett FI, Luke A, Wilks RJ, Forrester TE. Sex-differences in adiponectin levels and body fat distribution: longitudinal observations in Afro- Jamaicans. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2010; 90:e33-6. [PMID: 20828849 PMCID: PMC2953571 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2010.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We longitudinally explored the relationship of body size and adiponectin levels in 393 community-dwelling Afro-Jamaicans. Adiponectin levels were greater in women, increased with age and declined with abdominal adiposity. Multivariate regression analyses suggest that subcutaneous fat in women may contribute significantly to the variance in their adiponectin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Boyne
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
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20
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Ferguson TS, Younger N, Tulloch-Reid MK, Lawrence-Wright MB, Forrester TE, Cooper RS, Van den Broeck J, Wilks RJ. Progression from prehypertension to hypertension in a Jamaican cohort: incident hypertension and its predictors. W INDIAN MED J 2010; 59:486-93. [PMID: 21473394 PMCID: PMC4295618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the incidence of hypertension in people with and without prehypertension and determine the factors that predict progression to hypertension. METHODS Data from a cohort of 25-74-year-old residents of Spanish Town, Jamaica, were analysed. All participants completed a structured questionnaire and had blood pressure (BP), anthropometric measurements and venous blood sampling performed by trained personnel. Blood Pressure was classified using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) criteria. RESULTS 708 persons who had the required data and were not hypertensive at baseline were included in this analysis. Mean follow-up time was 4.1 years; 28.7% of prehypertensive participants developed hypertension compared to 6.2% of normotensive participants. The unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR [95% CI]) for progression among prehypertensive compared to normotensive participants was 4.62 [2.96, 7.43]. Among males, the rate of progression to hypertension was significantly higher for those 45-64 years old and those who were current smokers. Among females, progression was higher for age groups 25-44 years, 45-64 years, those who were overweight (BMI > or =25), obese (BMI > or =30) and current smokers. In multivariate models, prehypertension, female gender overweight status and older age remained significantly associated with progression to hypertension among the combined prehypertensive and normotensive groups. IRR [95% CI] were: prehypertension, 3.45 [2.18-5.45]; female gender 1.81 [1.12, 2.94]; overweight, 1.87 [1.15, 2.94]; age 45-64 years, 1.73 [1.08, 2.76]; age > 65 years 2.39 [1.31, 4.34]. CONCLUSIONS Prehypertension is associated with a three-fold increase in the incidence of hypertension. Higher BMI, age and female gender also independently predict the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Ferguson
- Tropical Medicine Research Institute, The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
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21
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Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of Axis I disorders and associated risk factors in a sample of sexual minority men and women in Jamaica, a country that is widely known for its high societal rejection of homosexuality. Poor relationships with family, negative or abusive experiences related to one's sexual orientation, and greater openness about one's sexual orientation were independent risk factors for Axis I disorders. Prevention of mental disorders in sexual minorities in Jamaica should focus on rebuilding family support and promoting social acceptance of sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann R G White
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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22
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Kukoyi OY, Shuaib FM, Campbell-Forrester S, Crossman L, Jolly PE. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among adolescents in Western Jamaica: a preliminary study. Crisis 2010; 31:317-27. [PMID: 21190930 PMCID: PMC5648588 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although extensive studies on adolescent suicidal behavior have been conducted in developed countries such as the United States, little data exist on risk factors for suicide among adolescents in culturally and socially disadvantages settings, such as Jamaica. AIMS To conduct a preliminary investigation of risk factors associated with suicide ideation and attempt among youths in Western Jamaica. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 342 adolescents aged 10-19 years from 19 schools. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed that a history of self-violence, violent thoughts toward others, mental health diagnoses other than depression, and a history of sexual abuse were positively associated with suicide attempt. Sexual abuse, mental health diagnoses other than depression, self-violence, and ease of access to lethal substances/weapons were positively associated with suicide ideation. CONCLUSIONS We found a relatively high prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents living in Western Jamaica. An accurate understanding of the prevailing risk factors for suicide attempts will promote a more sympathetic approach to victims and facilitate prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omobolawa Y Kukoyi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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23
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Oertel A, Wolf K, Al-Rasheid K, Foissner W. Revision of the Genus Coriplites Foissner, 1988 (Ciliophora: Haptorida), with Description of Apocoriplites nov. gen. and Three New Species. ACTA PROTOZOOL 2009; 47:231-246. [PMID: 20622920 PMCID: PMC2899309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The genera Coriplites Foissner, 1988 and Apocoriplites nov. gen., which differ by the number of dorsal brush rows (3 vs. 2), belong to the haptorid Litostomatea and have a distinct feature in common: they lack oral extrusomes. Based on three new species, the diagnosis of the genus Coriplites is amended to include the wide spacing of the brush dikinetids and the heavily refractive cortical granules. Using standard methods, we redescribe C. terricola Foissner, 1988 and describe three new species: C. grandis (from swamp soil of Australia), C. proctori (from tanks of bromeliads in Jamaica), and Apocoriplites lajacola (from granitic rook-pools in Venezuela). Species are distinguished by the nuclear apparatus (a single nodule vs. two nodules with a micronucleus in between), the body size (<100 μm vs. >100 μm), the number of ciliary rows, and details of the dorsal brush (isostichad vs. heterostichad). In over 1,000 soil samples, only C. terricola has been found in all main biogeographic regions, while the other species have been found only at their type locality, i.e., in the southern hemisphere, where the genus possibly originated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Oertel
- Universität Salzburg, FB Organismische Biologie, Salzburg, Austria
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24
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to create a profile of Jamaican homicide victims and to describe the circumstances, motives, and the weapons used in homicide incidents. The authors read the police narratives for all Jamaican homicides 1998-2002 and coded them using a predetermined set of variables. Analyses were conducted to describe victim characteristics, motive, and weapon use. The majority of homicide victims were male (over 89%), and 15-44 years old (80%). The rate of homicide for males age 15-44 years was 121 per 100,000 compared with a rate of 12 per 100,000 for females in the same age group. The main motives for homicide were disputes (29%) and reprisals (30%). Gunshot wounds were the cause of death in 66% of all homicides. Guns were used primarily in reprisals, robbery, and drug/gang related homicides; in half of all dispute related homicides the perpetrator used a knife. Homicides in Jamaica are not primarily gang or robbery related. Rather, they are mainly caused by arguments or reprisals. Homicide has become a common feature of dispute resolution in Jamaica.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lemard
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Abstract
AIM To investigate necropsy request practices at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica, to determine the extent to which these might influence the declining necropsy rates. This is the first such study from a developing country. METHODS The necropsy service was audited prospectively over a six month period, and data relating to non-coroner's (hospital) necropsy requests, including the clinical service and post of the clinician involved, were documented. The reasons for non-request were recorded for deaths in which a necropsy was not requested, in addition to the reasons given by pathologists for not performing necropsies in cases that were requested but not done. The overall, non-coroner's, and coroner's necropsy rates in addition to the non-coroner's necropsy request and success rates were calculated. RESULTS There were 364 deaths comprising 323 non-coroner's and 41 coroner's cases. The overall, non-coroner's, and coroner's necropsy rates were 29.2%, 20.2%, and 38.7%, respectively. The non-coroner's necropsy request rate was 35.3% with a success rate of 65%. Seventy five per cent of the requests were made by non-consultant clinicians and on the internal medicine service, which accounted for most of the non-coroner's deaths; necropsy requests were biased towards younger patients (p < 0.0001). Confident clinical diagnosis was the main reason for not requesting a necropsy, and the primary reason for refusing to perform a necropsy was that the request had been made too long after death. CONCLUSIONS These findings show a relatively high necropsy success rate in the face of a comparatively low necropsy request rate, and indicate that necropsy rates can be increased if clinicians make more necropsy requests in a timely manner in patients of all ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Gibson
- Department of Pathology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
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26
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Lindo JF, Waugh C, Hall J, Cunningham-Myrie C, Ashley D, Eberhard ML, Sullivan JJ, Bishop HS, Robinson DG, Holtz T, Robinson RD. Enzootic Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats and snails after an outbreak of human eosinophilic meningitis, Jamaica. Emerg Infect Dis 2002; 8:324-6. [PMID: 11927033 PMCID: PMC2732477 DOI: 10.3201/eid0803.010316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
After an outbreak in 2000 of eosinophilic meningitis in tourists to Jamaica, we looked for Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats and snails on the island. Overall, 22% (24/109) of rats harbored adult worms, and 8% (4/48) of snails harbored A. cantonensis larvae. This report is the first of enzootic A. cantonensis infection in Jamaica, providing evidence that this parasite is likely to cause human cases of eosinophilic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F. Lindo
- University of the West Indies, Jamaica; †Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Cecilia Waugh
- University of the West Indies, Jamaica; †Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - John Hall
- University of the West Indies, Jamaica; †Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
| | | | | | | | | | - Henry S. Bishop
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David G. Robinson
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Timothy Holtz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ralph D. Robinson
- University of the West Indies, Jamaica; †Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
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27
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Abstract
The influenza pandemic swept through the Caribbean during the period October 1918 to March 1919 and resulted in c.100,000 deaths. This article focuses on the British possessions and is based principally on official reports and the local press. It looks at how the virus entered and spread through the region, the possible reasons for variations in levels of morbidity and mortality between islands, popular responses to the infection, and the mainly fruitless official attempts to arrest and deal with the disease. Jamaica was the first island to be affected, and along with Belize and Guyana, suffered most severely. A number of islands, particularly those in the eastern Caribbean, appear to have escaped relatively lightly. Although all sections of the population were vulnerable, the heaviest mortality rates were among the very poor, East Indian immigrant labourers, and native Americans. There was also a high toll among males aged 15-40. Altogether the death rate from influenza in the British Caribbean was c.30,000. In London influenza was added to the official list of British 'imperial diseases', and although it was recognized that poverty provided the conditions for the spread of disease, the resources in the Caribbean were barely used to improve standards of living and nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Killingray
- Department of Historical and Cultural Studies, Goldsmiths' College, University of London
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