Articles: mortality.
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"Since the Russian economy recently has shown sings of stabilization, there now is evidence that demographic trends are beginning to improve somewhat. Although the population declined by 164,200, to 148.1 million at the beginning of 1996, the release of new statistical compendia by the Russian statistical agency (Goskomstat Rosii) in 1995 and early 1996 makes it possible to identify several positive trends.... Life expectancy increased for the first time since 1985. ⋯ The crude death rate declined for the first time in a decade. The birth rate remained at about the same level for the third consecutive year. The rate of natural increase (births minus deaths), although still negative, recorded a moderate increase."
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A follow-up study was conducted to clarify the relationship between physical-strength level and risk of death from all causes and from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The 7286 persons who were examined at seven health-promotion centers throughout Japan between 1982 and 1987 were followed up. By January 1992, 6259 persons (85.9%) had been contacted by questionnaire. ⋯ After adjustment for skinfold thickness, blood sugar, total serum cholesterol, blood pressure, percent vital lung capacity and smoking status, men with a lower level of side step, vertical jump, and grip strength had an excess risk of death from all causes. No such relationship was seen between physical-strength level and an excess risk of death in women. It is concluded that a low level of physical strength might be significantly correlated with subsequent health outcomes in men.
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Due to refusal of blood component transfusions, Jehovah's Witness patients with cancer present a challenge to oncologists who must find appropriate and acceptable treatments. In order to assess the morbidity and mortality that these patients suffer, a retrospective review was conducted of all 58 Jehovah's Witness patients treated at our center from October 1986 through February 1994. This study showed that (1) younger Jehovah's Witness patients or their parents were more likely to accept blood transfusion than older Jehovah's Witness patients, (2) considerable risk of acute morbidity and mortality occurred in patients who refused blood when blood transfusions were indicated, and (3) long-term prognosis may be worsened for some Jehovah's Witness patients due to limited treatment provided in those with anemia or with anticipated anemia.