Washington
District of Columbia
Northwestern United States
Idaho
Maryland
Oregon
Workers' Compensation
Shellfish Poisoning
United States
Azinphosmethyl
Missouri
Risk Factors
Montana
Perinatology
Pseudotsuga
Birth Certificates
Mastodons
Organothiophosphates
Research
Pacific States
Case-Control Studies
Malus
Effects of dispersed recreational activities on the microbiological quality of forest surface water. (1/1822)
The microbiological quality of forest surface waters in the Greenwater River watershed was examined to investigate the influence of heavy motorized camping in an area with no sanitary facilities. Indicator densities increased during weekend human-use periods when compared to weekdays. Increases in indicator densities were also noted downstream from heavily used camping areas when compared to upstream sites. Seasonal, weekly, and diurnal fluctuations in indicator densities were observed. This study suggests that potential health hazards exist in this watershed during periods of human use. (+info)Maternal second trimester serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha-soluble receptor p55 (sTNFp55) and subsequent risk of preeclampsia. (2/1822)
Preeclampsia is characterized by diffuse vascular endothelial dysfunction. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which plays a key role in the cytokine network responsible for immunoregulation, is also known to contribute to endothelial dysfunction and other metabolic disturbances noted in preeclampsia. Results from cross-sectional studies and one longitudinal study indicate that TNF-alpha (or its soluble receptor, sTNFp55) is increased in the peripheral circulation and amniotic fluid of women with preeclampsia as compared with normotensive women. Between December 1993 and August 1994, prediagnostic sTNFp55 concentrations (a marker of excessive TNF-alpha release) were measured in 35 women with preeclampsia and 222 normotensive women to determine whether elevations precede the clinical manifestation of the disorder. Logistic regression procedures were used to calculate maximum likelihood estimates of odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Mean second trimester (15-22 weeks' gestation) serum sTNFp55 concentrations, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were 14.4% higher in preeclamptic women than in normotensive controls (716.6 pg/ml (standard deviation 193.6) vs. 626.4 pg/ml (standard deviation 158.0); p = 0.003). The relative risk of preeclampsia increased across successively higher quintiles of sTNFp55 (odds ratios were 1.0, 1.3, 2.1, and 3.7, with the lowest quintile used as the referent; p for trend = 0.007). After adjustment for maternal age, adiposity, and parity, the relative risk between extreme quintiles was 3.3 (95% confidence interval 0.8-13.4). These findings indicate that the level of TNF-alpha in maternal circulation is increased prior to the clinical manifestation of the disorder, and they are consistent with the hypothesized role of cytokines in mediating endothelial dysfunction and the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Further work is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for the excessive synthesis and release of TNF-alpha in pregnancy, and to assess whether lowering of TNF-alpha concentrations in pregnancy alters the incidence and severity of preeclampsia. (+info)Relation between obesity and breast cancer in young women. (3/1822)
This study was conducted to assess the relation between body size and risk of breast cancer among young women. A case-control study was conducted among women aged 21-45 years living in three counties in Washington State. Cases were women born after 1944 with invasive or in situ breast cancer that was diagnosed between January 1, 1983, and April 30, 1990. Controls were selected using random digit dialing and were frequency-matched to cases on the basis of age and county of residence. Interviews took place between 1986 and 1992. Body size was evaluated using indices from several different time periods. After adjustment for confounders, a decreased risk of breast cancer was found for women in the highest quintile of body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2) as compared with the lowest quintile (for maximum lifetime body mass index, odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.94). Age modified the relation between body size and risk of breast cancer. The odds ratio for women in the highest quintile of maximum body mass index who were aged 21-35 years was 0.29 (95% CI 0.16-0.55), as compared with an odds ratio of 1.5 for women aged 36-45 years (95% CI 0.9-2.5) (p for interaction = 0.003). This study supports prior research showing a decreased risk of breast cancer associated with increased body size among premenopausal or young women. More detailed analysis in this study found a strong effect that was limited to the youngest age group (< or = 35 years). (+info)Maternal smoking and Down syndrome: the confounding effect of maternal age. (4/1822)
Inconsistent results have been reported from studies evaluating the association of maternal smoking with birth of a Down syndrome child. Control of known risk factors, particularly maternal age, has also varied across studies. By using a population-based case-control design (775 Down syndrome cases and 7,750 normal controls) and Washington State birth record data for 1984-1994, the authors examined this hypothesized association and found a crude odds ratio of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.98). Controlling for broad categories of maternal age (<35 years, > or =35 years), as described in prior studies, resulted in a negative association (odds ratio = 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.07). However, controlling for exact year of maternal age in conjunction with race and parity resulted in no association (odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.82-1.24). In this study, the prevalence of Down syndrome births increased with increasing maternal age, whereas among controls the reported prevalence of smoking during pregnancy decreased with increasing maternal age. There is a substantial potential for residual confounding by maternal age in studies of maternal smoking and Down syndrome. After adequately controlling for maternal age in this study, the authors found no clear relation between maternal smoking and the risk of Down syndrome. (+info)Pathogenicity of Ichthyophonus hoferi for laboratory-reared Pacific herring Clupea pallasi and its early appearance in wild Puget Sound herring. (5/1822)
Laboratory-reared pathogen-free Pacific herring were exposed to pure cultures of Ichthyophonus hoferi, and reproduced the disease seen in naturally infected fish--thus fulfilling Koch's Postulates. Pathogen-free herring used in this study were reared from artificially spawned eggs incubated in filtered, UV-sterilized seawater, eliminating the variables associated with multiple infections, which are common in wild herring. Wild free-ranging herring were captured monthly from June through October by dip net from 'herring balls' located in the northern Puget Sound. I. hoferi infections were identified in these fish soon after metamorphoses, about 4 mo post-hatch. The prevalence increased from 5 to 6% in 0-yr fish to 24% in 1-yr-old fish to 50 to 70% in fish over 2 yr old, with no associated increase in mortality. The route of natural transmission to wild herring was not determined, but carnivorous fish became infected and died when they were experimentally fed tissues infected with the organism. In vitro culture of tissues was the most sensitive method for identifying both clinical and subclinical infections. (+info)Hypertension, antihypertensive medication use, and risk of renal cell carcinoma. (6/1822)
To investigate whether diuretic medication use increases risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the authors conducted a case-control study of health maintenance organization members in western Washington State. Cases (n = 238) diagnosed between January 1980 and June 1995 were compared with controls (n = 616) selected from health maintenance organization membership files. The computerized health maintenance organization pharmacy database provided information on medications prescribed after March 1977. Additional exposure information was collected from medical records. For women, use of diuretics was associated with increased risk of RCC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-3.1), but the association was not independent of a diagnosis of hypertension (adjusted for hypertension, OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.5-2.1). Similarly, nondiuretic antihypertensive use was associated with increased risk, but only when unadjusted for hypertension. For men, neither diuretic nor nondiuretic antihypertensive use was associated with risk of RCC. A diagnosis of hypertension was clearly associated with RCC risk for women (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1), but not men (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.5). High systolic and diastolic blood pressures were associated with increased risk in both sexes. These results do not support the hypothesis that use of diuretic medication increases RCC risk; they are more consistent with an association between RCC and high blood pressure. (+info)Juvenile hypothyroidism among two populations exposed to radioiodine. (7/1822)
We found an epidemic of juvenile hypothyroidism among a population of self-defined "downwinders" living near the Hanford nuclear facility located in southeast Washington State. The episode followed massive releases of 131I. Self-reported data on 60 cases of juvenile hypothyroidism (<20 years of age) among a group of 801 Hanford downwinders are presented, as well as data concerning the thyroid status of approximately 160,000 children exposed to radioiodine before 10 years of age as a result of the 26 April 1986 Chernobyl explosion in the former Soviet Union. These children were residents of five regions near Chernobyl. They were examined by standardized screening protocols over a period of 5 years from 1991 to 1996. They are a well-defined group of 10 samples. Fifty-six cases of hypothyroidism were found among boys and 92 among girls. Body burdens of 137Cs have been correlated with hypothyroidism prevalence rates. On the other hand, the group of juvenile (<20 years of age) Hanford downwinders is not a representative sample. Most of the 77 cases of juvenile hypothyroidism in the Hanford group were diagnosed from 1945 to 1970. However, the ratio of reported cases to the county population under 20 years of age is roughly correlated with officially estimated mean levels of cumulative thyroid 131I uptake in these counties, providing evidence that juvenile hypothyroidism was associated with radioiodine exposures. Because even subtle hypothyroidism may be of clinical significance in childhood and can be treated, it may be useful to screen for the condition in populations exposed to radioiodine fallout. Although radiation exposure is associated with hypothyroidism, its excess among fallout-exposed children has not been previously quantified. (+info)Waking the health plan giant: Group Health Cooperative stops counting sheep and starts counting key tobacco indicators. (8/1822)
Implementing a comprehensive approach to decreasing tobacco use in a large health plan requires hard work and commitment on the part of many individuals. We found that major organisational change can be accomplished and sustained. Keys to our success included our decision to remove access barriers to our cessation programmes (including cost); obtaining top leadership buy-in; identifying accountable individuals who owned responsibility for change; measuring key processes and outcomes; and finally keeping at it tenaciously through multiple cycles of improvement. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Washington" is not a medical term. It is a place name, referring to the U.S. state of Washington or the city of Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. If you have any questions about medical terms or concepts, I would be happy to help answer those for you!
The District of Columbia (DC) is a federal district and the capital of the United States. It is not a state, but rather a district that is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress. DC is located between the states of Maryland and Virginia and has a population of approximately 700,000 people.
The medical definition of District of Columbia would not differ from its geographical and political definition. However, it is important to note that DC has its own unique healthcare system and challenges. As a federal district, DC has its own local government, but the U.S. Congress has the authority to review and approve its laws and budget. This can create some challenges in funding and implementing healthcare programs in DC.
DC has a high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, and also faces disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups. The District of Columbia Healthcare Alliance, which is the city's Medicaid program, provides health coverage to low-income residents, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. DC also has a number of safety net hospitals and clinics that provide care to uninsured and underinsured patients.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Northwestern United States" is not a term that has a medical definition. It generally refers to a geographical region in the US, consisting of states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and sometimes Montana and Wyoming. If you have any questions related to medical topics, I'd be happy to try to help answer those!
I am not aware of any medical definition for the term "Idaho." It is primarily used as the name of a state in the United States. If you have any specific medical context or terminology that you would like me to help define, please let me know and I will be happy to assist you.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Maryland" is a proper noun and does not have a medical definition. It is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. However, if you are referring to a specific medical term or concept that includes "Maryland," could you please provide more context? I'll do my best to help with accurate information based on the provided context.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Oregon" is not a medical term or concept. It is a geographical location, being the name of a state in the United States, located in the Pacific Northwest region. If you have any questions related to medical topics, I would be happy to try and help answer those for you!
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation expenses to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. It is designed to compensate the employee for lost wages and cover medical expenses due to work-related injuries or illnesses, while also protecting employers from potential lawsuits. Workers' compensation laws vary by state but generally require employers to carry this insurance and provide coverage for eligible employees. The program is typically funded through employer premiums and is administered by individual states.
Shellfish poisoning refers to illnesses caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with harmful toxins produced by certain types of microscopic algae. These toxins can accumulate in various species of shellfish, including mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops, and can cause a range of symptoms depending on the specific type of toxin involved.
There are several types of shellfish poisoning, each caused by different groups of algal toxins:
1. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP): Caused by saxitoxins produced by dinoflagellates such as Alexandrium spp., Gymnodinium catenatum, and Pyrodinium bahamense. Symptoms include tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, and fingers, followed by weakness, difficulty swallowing, and potentially paralysis and respiratory failure in severe cases.
2. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP): Caused by domoic acid produced by diatoms such as Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, memory loss, disorientation, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death.
3. Diarrheal Shellfish Poisoning (DSP): Caused by okadaic acid and its derivatives produced by dinoflagellates such as Dinophysis spp. and Prorocentrum spp. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and occasionally chills and fever.
4. Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP): Caused by brevetoxins produced by dinoflagellates such as Karenia brevis. Symptoms include reversible neurological symptoms like tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, and fingers, as well as respiratory irritation, coughing, and chest tightness in severe cases.
5. Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisoning (AZP): Caused by azaspiracids produced by dinoflagellates such as Azadinium spp. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
It is essential to note that shellfish contaminated with these toxins may not show visible signs of spoilage or illness-causing bacteria; therefore, it is crucial to avoid consuming them during harmful algal blooms (HABs) or red tide events. Public health authorities often issue warnings and close shellfish beds when HABs are detected in the water. Always check local advisories before consuming shellfish, especially if you have harvested them yourself. Cooking does not destroy these toxins, so they remain harmful even after cooking.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "United States" is a geopolitical entity, specifically the name of the country consisting of 50 states, and it is not a medical term or concept. Therefore, I can't provide a medical definition for it. If you have any questions related to health, medicine, or biology, I would be happy to try to help answer those!
Azinphosmethyl is a type of organophosphate insecticide that is used to control various pests in agriculture. Its chemical formula is C6H12NO6PS. It works by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. This leads to an accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can result in a variety of symptoms such as muscle twitching, tremors, convulsions, and eventually respiratory failure.
Azinphosmethyl is highly toxic to both insects and mammals, and it can pose significant risks to human health if not handled properly. Exposure to this chemical can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, and it can cause a range of adverse health effects, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to more serious health issues such as neurological damage and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Due to its high toxicity and potential risks to human health, the use of azinphosmethyl is regulated by various governmental agencies around the world. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified azinphosmethyl as a restricted-use pesticide, which means that it can only be applied by certified applicators who have received special training in its safe use.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Missouri" is not a medical term or concept. It is a geographical location, being the name of a state located in the central United States. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or concepts, I would be happy to help with those!
Medical Definition:
"Risk factors" are any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury. They can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed through lifestyle choices or medical treatment, while non-modifiable risk factors are inherent traits such as age, gender, or genetic predisposition. Examples of modifiable risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, while non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, and family history. It is important to note that having a risk factor does not guarantee that a person will develop the disease, but rather indicates an increased susceptibility.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Montana" is not a medical term or condition. It is the name of a state in the United States, located in the northwestern region of the country. If you have any questions about medical terminology or health-related topics, I would be happy to help with those instead.
Perinatology is a subspecialty of maternal-fetal medicine in obstetrics that focuses on the care of pregnant women and their unborn babies who are at high risk for complications due to various factors such as prematurity, fetal growth restriction, multiple gestations, congenital anomalies, and other medical conditions.
Perinatologists are trained to provide specialized care for these high-risk pregnancies, which may include advanced diagnostic testing, fetal monitoring, and interventions such as c-sections or medication management. They work closely with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Perinatology is also sometimes referred to as "maternal-fetal medicine" or "high-risk obstetrics."
"Pseudotsuga" is not a medical term. It is a genus of coniferous trees in the family Pinaceae, commonly known as Douglas firs or Douglas trees. They are native to western North America and eastern Asia. The most widely known species is Pseudotsuga menziesii, which is often simply called the Douglas fir. These trees have important economic value for timber and pulp production.
A birth certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof of a person's birth and provides important information about the individual, including their full name, date and place of birth, sex, parents' names, and other identifying details. In medical terms, a birth certificate may be used to establish a patient's identity, age, and other relevant demographic information.
Birth certificates are typically issued by the government agency responsible for vital records in the jurisdiction where the individual was born, such as a state or county health department. They are considered legal documents and are often required for various purposes, such as enrolling in school, applying for a passport, or obtaining government benefits.
It is important to note that birth certificates may be amended or corrected if there are errors or discrepancies in the information they contain. In some cases, individuals may also need to obtain certified copies of their birth certificate from the appropriate government agency in order to provide proof of their identity or other personal information.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the term "Mastodons" is not a medical term. It is a paleontological term that refers to a group of extinct large mammals that were similar to elephants and lived during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. If you have any questions about medical terminology or concepts, I would be happy to help!
Phosmet is an organophosphate insecticide and acaricide, which means it is used to kill insects and mites. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called cholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and ultimately causing nervous system failure in the pest.
Phosmet has a wide range of uses, including controlling pests on fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamental plants, as well as on animals such as dogs and livestock. It can be applied as a spray, dust, or fog, and it is absorbed through the skin and respiratory system of both the target pests and any individuals who come into contact with it.
Like other organophosphate pesticides, phosmet can have harmful effects on human health if not used properly. It can cause acute symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness, and in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, convulsions, and death. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurological damage, including memory loss and decreased cognitive function.
It is important to follow all safety precautions when using phosmet or any other pesticide, including wearing protective clothing, washing contaminated skin and clothing, and avoiding re-entry into treated areas until the recommended safety interval has passed.
Organothiophosphates are a class of organophosphorus compounds that contain a phosphorus atom bonded to one or more organic groups and one or more sulfur atoms. These compounds have various uses, including as plasticizers, flame retardants, and insecticides. The most well-known member of this group is the insecticide parathion. Organothiophosphates are also used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals.
It's important to note that some organothiophosphates have been associated with health risks, including neurotoxicity and potential developmental effects. Therefore, their use is regulated by various government agencies around the world.
Research, in the context of medicine, is a systematic and rigorous process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information in order to increase our understanding, develop new knowledge, or evaluate current practices and interventions. It can involve various methodologies such as observational studies, experiments, surveys, or literature reviews. The goal of medical research is to advance health care by identifying new treatments, improving diagnostic techniques, and developing prevention strategies. Medical research is typically conducted by teams of researchers including clinicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals. It is subject to ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that it is conducted responsibly and with the best interests of patients in mind.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but there seems to be a mistake in your question. "Pacific States" is not a recognized medical term or concept. The term "Pacific" usually refers to the Pacific Ocean or regions near it, and "states" typically refers to political divisions like countries or states within a country. If you're referring to a specific medical term that includes these words, could you please provide more context or clarify your question? I'm here to help!
A case-control study is an observational research design used to identify risk factors or causes of a disease or health outcome. In this type of study, individuals with the disease or condition (cases) are compared with similar individuals who do not have the disease or condition (controls). The exposure history or other characteristics of interest are then compared between the two groups to determine if there is an association between the exposure and the disease.
Case-control studies are often used when it is not feasible or ethical to conduct a randomized controlled trial, as they can provide valuable insights into potential causes of diseases or health outcomes in a relatively short period of time and at a lower cost than other study designs. However, because case-control studies rely on retrospective data collection, they are subject to biases such as recall bias and selection bias, which can affect the validity of the results. Therefore, it is important to carefully design and conduct case-control studies to minimize these potential sources of bias.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Malus" is not a medical term. It is a genus name in the plant kingdom, referring to the apple tree. If you have a different term or concept in mind, please provide it so I can give you an accurate definition or explanation.
Methylophilaceae is a family of bacteria within the order Burkholderiales. These bacteria are known to be capable of growth on reduced one-carbon compounds such as methanol and formate as their sole source of carbon and energy. They are often found in various environments including soil, water, and sewage sludge. Some species within this family are also known to be able to degrade certain aromatic compounds. It's important to note that medical definition of Methylophilaceae is not commonly used since they are not associated with any specific human disease, but rather studied for their metabolic capabilities and potential applications in bioremediation and bioenergy production.
"State Health Plans" is a general term that refers to the healthcare coverage programs offered or managed by individual states in the United States. These plans can be divided into two main categories: Medicaid and state-based marketplaces.
1. **Medicaid**: This is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, families, and qualifying groups, such as pregnant women, children, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Each state administers its own Medicaid program within broad federal guidelines, and therefore, the benefits, eligibility criteria, and enrollment processes can vary from state to state.
2. **State-based Marketplaces (SBMs)**: These are online platforms where individuals and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans that meet the standards set by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). SBMs operate in accordance with federal regulations, but individual states have the flexibility to design their own marketplace structure, manage their own enrollment process, and determine which insurers can participate.
It is important to note that state health plans are subject to change based on federal and state laws, regulations, and funding allocations. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the most recent and specific information from the relevant state agency or department.