10 research outputs found
Integrated Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments from a Coastal Industrial Basin, NE China
The purpose of this study is to investigate the current status of metal pollution of the sediments from urban-stream, estuary and Jinzhou Bay of the coastal industrial city, NE China. Forty surface sediment samples from river, estuary and bay and one sediment core from Jinzhou bay were collected and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Mn. The data reveals that there was a remarkable change in the contents of heavy metals among the sampling sediments, and all the mean values of heavy metal concentration were higher than the national guideline values of marine sediment quality of China (GB 18668-2002). This is one of the most polluted of the world’s impacted coastal systems. Both the correlation analyses and geostatistical analyses showed that Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd have a very similar spatial pattern and come from the industrial activities, and the concentration of Mn mainly caused by natural factors. The estuary is the most polluted area with extremely high potential ecological risk; however the contamination decreased with distance seaward of the river estuary. This study clearly highlights the urgent need to make great efforts to control the industrial emission and the exceptionally severe heavy metal pollution in the coastal area, and the immediate measures should be carried out to minimize the rate of contamination, and extent of future pollution problems
The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Women Health Services Staff About Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease (CVDs) in City of Fereydan and Chadegan
Physicians, patients, and public knowledge and perception regarding hypertension and stroke: a review of survey studies
BACKGROUND: Hypertension is the most common treatable risk factor for stroke. Efforts have been made to raise the awareness of both hypertension and stroke. There is a lack of clear understanding of the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about hypertension and stroke among patients, the public, and physicians. OBJECTIVES: To understand the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding hypertension and stroke among patients, the public, and physicians and to highlight the practices of physicians in managing hypertension given current hypertension guideline recommendations. METHODS: Current Contents, Embase, and Medline databases were searched to identify manuscripts published between January 1994 and December 2004 reporting surveys concerning the knowledge and perceptions of patients, the public, and physicians regarding hypertension and stroke. Studies were summarized and collated into a spreadsheet. RESULTS: Of a total of 85 manuscripts identified, only 43 contained information meeting the study objectives. Based on the reported results, it was observed that patients and public alike are generally aware that hypertension is one of the risk factors of stroke, and that stroke could be a consequence of hypertension, but do not consider hypertension to be a serious health concern. Physicians appreciate the importance of managing hypertension to avoid future complications such as stroke. However, they do not conform to the recommendations made in various hypertension guidelines. They have higher thresholds than guideline recommendations for defining and categorizing hypertension, for starting antihypertensive therapy, and for target blood pressure goals. They do not aggressively manage hypertension in older people, considering that the elderly are at greater risk for developing stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and public are aware of the link between hypertension and stroke but do not appreciate the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension. Physicians worldwide need to engage in patient communication regarding hypertension, stroke, and the dangers of uncontrolled hypertension, and need to implement guideline recommendations for hypertension diagnosis and management