Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J P Thouez

Publications and source records attributed to J P Thouez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Vasectomy and prostate cancer in Québec, Canada.

The present investigation measured the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer (PC) in the male population of Québec, Canada. The Québec Health Insurance Board and the Québec Cancer Registry were our principal sources of information. Lung cancer cases and the male population of Québec served as controls for comparative purposes. Within a retrospective design, our preliminary results indicate an association between vasectomy and PC. Among the 1925-39 birth cohort of individuals diagnosed with PC in 1990--93, the global odds ratio was 2.6 (95% CI=1.7--4.3) while it was compared with lung cancer as the control group. This risk increased with the length of time between vasectomy and the diagnosis of cancer. An historical design indicated strong cohesion of the results. Besides, the risk does not vary when we control for the place of residence of the individuals. Vasectomy seems to increase the risk of PC at least 10 years after the operation, but we cannot exclude the impact of a possible detection bias among vasectomized individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Alzheimer's disease: preliminary study of spatial distribution at birth place.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by a progressive loss of memory and the alteration of cognitive functions. At least three chromosomal segments have been associated with early-onset AD in genetic linkage studies. These results argue for a certain degree of heterogeneity in the genetic origin of some forms of AD, although environmental risk factors cannot be ruled out in late-onset AD. In this preliminary study, we analyzed the geographical distribution of the birth places of a sample of 235 AD cases born in a defined region of Quebec (Canada), between 1895 and 1935. We wished to test the hypothesis that risk factors acting at, or around birth place and time play a role in the etiology of AD. The field of study was divided into rural and urban areas. A reference population of live births was used to compute a measure of odds ratio (OR). The OR results showed a statistically significant excess of AD cases in the rural area as compared to the reference population. When stratified for sex, the OR results showed a global excess of female AD cases in both the rural and the urban areas. For men, only the urban area presented a statistically significant deficit. We also analyzed the structures of the genealogical kinships of the rural and urban sub-groups. Although AD cases from the rural sub-group were more closely related to each other than those from the urban one, removal of the kin pairs from the OR analysis seemed to have little effect on the rural/urban distribution of cases. Therefore, the OR results would not appear to be due primarily to a difference in the kinship structures of the two sub-groups. This could mean that some risk factors for AD afflict women more strongly than men, the effect being different depending on the urban or rural origin. However, potential biases such as a higher rate of report for women, differential migration between birth places or a differential mortality ratio between sexes could produce spurious results in the direction of what we have observed in this preliminary study.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Neurodegenerative diseases and risk factors: a literature review.

Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system are significant causes of mortality among elderly people in industrialized countries. For the most part, the causes of these diseases are unknown. It is also very difficult to diagnose this type of disease quickly and accurately. This article reviews the epidemiological research on the principal neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on geographical, hereditary and viral and toxicological exposure correlates. We look in particular at the effect of exposure to toxins as well as the effect that deficiencies of elements such as calcium and selenium could have on the development of these neurological diseases. We also consider the possible protectionist effect of some variables on the development of certain neurological diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Homogeneity of the spatial distribution of cancers of the female reproductive tract in Quebec].

Risk factors associated with women's reproductive life and sexual growth do not adequately predict cancer incidence of the breast, uterus and ovary. The heterogeneous worldwide distribution of these cancers could imply that some environmental and cultural risk factors are involved in their cancerogenesis. The few attempts made so far to unravel their spatial structures at a geographic scale facilitating the search for exogenous risk factors have proved inconclusive. This study reports the results of a spatial analysis of the cancer incidence rates for breast, cervix, endometrium and ovary among Community Health Departments (CHD) in Quebec using a spatial autocorrelation method. Correlograms built according to four definitions of the inter-CHDs distance indicate that breast and ovary incidence rates follow quite similar spatial gradients attesting to their etiologic affinity. They also suggest that the spatial distribution of endometrial cancer follows a gradient divergent from that of breast and ovary cancers, and that the CHDs' spatial scale does not suitably describe the distribution of cervical cancer. The demonstration of a structured spatial distribution for breast, endometrium and ovary cancers in Québec strengthen the hypothesis that cultural or environmental risk factors are involved in their etiology. But, the observed disparities in the spatial structure of these cancers imply that their etiologic specificity may be greater than their biologic bond would suggest.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Food habits of French Canadians in Montreal, Quebec.

OBJECTIVES: Since the 1960's, marked sociocultural and economic changes have affected lifestyle, religious practices, and family structure among French Canadians in Quebec. Recent nutritional assessment was unavailable, despite indications of change. METHODS: A survey was carried out in 1988 in a representative sample living in Greater Montreal, to obtain current data on food habits, nutrient intakes and sociodemographic factors, using interviewer-administered questionnaires and seven-day food records. RESULTS: Some 845 families (1450 individuals from different age groups) were studied in two phases: summer/fall and winter/spring. Mean household size in the study population was 2.7. Among adults, extremes of educational level were observed, with 33% having elementary school only and 28% having completed university. On average, each household spent $CAN 89.90 a week for food, $26.00 for tobacco, and $13.50 for alcohol. Breakfast was eaten regularly by 90% of subjects while 96% ate lunch and 99% ate dinner. Morning snacks were consumed by 36% and afternoon snacks were taken by 50%. Milk was consumed with breakfast by 24% of respondents, with lunch by 19%, and with dinner by 24%. On weekdays, 81% of subjects ate their main meals at home, while on weekends this figure was 95%. Time spent for meals varied by meal, and was slightly longer on weekends. Specialty diets, including vegetarianism, were followed by 7% of the study subjects, while 22% adhered to health-related diets. CONCLUSIONS: The food record analyses revealed adequate nutrient intakes overall in relation to the 1990 Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes, although further investigation is needed before addressing dietary quality in specific age-sex groups. Protein comprised 16% of energy, fat 38%, and carbohydrates composed 45% or 46% for males and females, respectively. Subsequent analyses will evaluate nutrient intakes in relation to health and sociodemographic indicators in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Food habits and esophageal cancer: an overview.

Cancer of the esophagus has a more varied geographical distribution and incidence than any other commonly occurring cancer. Its incidence rate is increasing in many countries, especially among males. Esophageal cancer has been found to be associated with the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, particularly when combined, and in the last decade the role of nutrition and diet in the etiology of this disease has attracted worldwide attention. Regions with a large incidence of this disease are generally located in poor parts of the world, and their inhabitants share several dietary characteristics. They subsist on a diet high in starch and almost without fresh fruit or vegetables, eat rapidly without sufficient mastication, and consume many foods (rice gruel) and drinks (tea) at very high temperatures. Hard and scratchy foods also are consumed frequently. In the high-risk region of northern Iran, where the frequency of esophageal cancer is higher among women than men, the main food during pregnancy contains strong black pepper and sharp crushed pomegranate seeds, which irritate the esophagus.

Diet↗
PubMed1991

Geographical variations of motor-vehicle injuries in Quebec, 1983-1988.

Data furnished by the Régie de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec (RAAQ) were used to describe the geography of motor vehicle accidents in the province of Quebec for the period 1983-1988. These were also used to evaluate the risk factors associated with zones of high risk with regards to accidents for the 97 Municipalités Régionales de Comté (MRC). The results demonstrate that non-severe accidents are more frequent in the urban context. On the other hand, severe accidents are more frequent in the rural context. The Standard Morbidity Ratio (SMR) highlights those MRC's with the risk of severe or non-severe accidents, where risks are twice that of Quebec as a whole. The demographic characteristics (age, sex) of the driver and passengers and the place of the accident (region, density) were used in the model LOGIT to evaluate risk factors associated with high risk zones. Results of the model for those severely injured are different from those for non-severely injured people. This holds true for the location of accidents as well as for demographic characteristics. In both models, women and people over 65 years of age are low-risk groups for accidents. The authors indicate certain action to be undertaken in Quebec by the Government to improve this situation.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1991

International comparisons of nutrition and mortality from pancreatic cancer.

Average per capita consumption of eggs, milk, and meat; total caloric intake; and protein and fat consumption in 29 countries from 1964 through 1966 was related to the average age-adjusted mortality rates from cancer of the pancreas in these same countries for the period 1978 through 1979. A direct and significant correlation between mortality rates from cancer of the pancreas and per capita consumption of eggs, milk (p less than 0.001), and meat (p less than 0.01 for males and p less than 0.05 for females) was found. The total caloric intake was directly correlated with mortality rates from pancreatic cancer (p less than 0.01). This correlation was stronger for calories derived from animal sources of food (p less than 0.001) for both sexes, while consumption of vegetable calories correlated with decreased rates of mortality from pancreatic cancer. The average per capita intake of both total and animal fat was also directly correlated with mortality from cancer of the pancreas (p less than 0.001). This suggests that animal sources of calories, protein, and fat may play an important role in the etiology of pancreatic cancer.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Correlates of health-care use: Inuit and Cree of northern Quebec.

This case study of the use of health-care services in northern Quebec is the first of a series of reports dealing with the health status, risk factors and access to care of the two major aboriginal populations in this region, the Cree and the Inuit. The focus of the broader study is on the health status and risk factors in these native populations. This research, based on a survey conducted in 1983-84, describes the present health status and health-care system of the Cree and Inuit, then presents a path analysis model of their use of health services. The purpose of this approach is to provide health planners and care providers with useful information and to encourage the development of well-organized and reasonable health-care service delivery to these populations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

Socio-spatial perspectives on the utilization of emergency hospital services in two urban territories in Quebec.

Hospital emergency services located in urban areas have been severely congested for several years in the province of Quebec. This problem is not caused by ambulatory patients who are using emergency services as a regular source of care, but by patients in need of emergency services. To study the factors affecting the utilization rates of emergency services in two urban areas, the city of Laval and the Quebec metropolitan area, two samples of more than 30,000 patients each were drawn from the 1981 file of the Régie de l'assurance-maladie du Quebec. The utilization rates of emergency services for emergent and urgent causes in these two samples were computed on the basis of the census tract location of these patients. The socio-economic characteristics of these census tracts were taken from the 1981 Canadian census, the distance travelled from each census tract to the location of hospital emergency services was computed and included as a predictor of the utilization rates. Also, the prevalence of chronic and psychiatric diagnoses were obtained for each census tract. The result of the analysis showed that distance affected the utilization rates only in the Quebec metropolitan area where the hospitals are mostly located in the downtown area near deprived and working class neighbourhoods, while the socio-economic characteristics affected the utilization rates in both Quebec and Laval.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

Obesity, hypertension, hyperuricemia and diabetes mellitus among the Cree and Inuit of northern Québec.

In the last thirty years, sociocultural and political changes have profoundly affected the way of life of the Cree and Inuit of Northern Québec. Their health status profile has also changed. This study presents the main results of a health survey performed among the Cree and Inuit in 1982-1984 by a multidisciplinary team. Obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia and diabetes mellitus while almost unknown in the past, have now been added to the list of Cree and Inuit health problems. Crees have the highest risk for obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Hyperuricemia for unknown reasons seems more prevalent among the Inuit. Our findings suggest that further in-depth studies of chronic conditions in these communities are needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

International comparisons of nutrition and mortality from cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and pancreas.

The average per capita consumption of certain foods in 29 countries during 1964-66 was related to the average mortality rates for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach and pancreas in these same countries for the period 1978-79. No significant correlation was found between consumption of nutrients from different food groups and mortality rates for oesophageal cancer, with the exception of meat intake in females. Consumption of eggs, milk and particularly meat was inversely related to mortality from stomach cancer in males and females. Caloric and fat intakes from animal sources were also significantly and negatively related to mortality from stomach cancer in both sexes, while caloric intake from vegetable sources was positively associated, particularly in females. The absence of correlation between vegetable fat intake and mortality from stomach cancer strongly suggests carbohydrates as a major caloric source related to stomach cancer. Mortality from pancreatic cancer was strongly and positively related to consumption of eggs, milk and meat in both sexes. Caloric and fat intakes from animal sources had a strong positive correlation with mortality from pancreatic cancer in males and females, while caloric intake from vegetable sources showed a strong negative correlation in both sexes. The weak and not significant correlation of vegetable fat with mortality from pancreatic cancer mortality strongly suggests carbohydrates as a major caloric source related to pancreatic cancer. No significant correlation was found between age-adjusted mortality rates from stomach or pancreatic cancer or a given per capita caloric intake from animal or vegetable source. For both cancers, age-adjusted mortality rates were about twice those of females.

Diet↗
PubMed1989

The other face of development: native population, health status and indicators of malnutrition--the case of the Cree and Inuit of northern Quebec.

The cultural setting of the isolated Cree Indian and Inuit communities is described and measures of their health examined. Questionnaires were employed to consider both epidemiological and socio-cultural facets and physical examination evaluated serological indicators of nutritional status. Changes of lifestyle toward store purchased food and a lessened reliance on hunting and fishing along with the non-native nature of the health services available seem to be leading to heart conditions, hypertension and diabetes all of which give cause for concern.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Pesticides and cancer in a Quebec rural farming population: a geographical interpretation].

Data on the use of pesticides in agriculture and three types of cancer among the rural farm population were compiled for 34 drainage basins of the province of Québec for 1982 and 1983. The basins were divided following three categories of exposure (low, intermediate, high) on the basis of the level of pesticides sales. Results at the scale of the three categories show that among women living in rural farm areas, the relative risk (RR) for cancers of the lymphatic tissues is of 1.62 when highly exposed basins were compared to low exposed basins (95% Confidence Interval = 1.16; 2.25), and of 1.63 (95% CI = 1.08; 2.45) when they were compared to basins with intermediate exposure. For women of 35-64 age group, RR values are respectively of 3.15 (95% CI = 1.67; 5.93) in the first case, and 3.73 (95% CI = 1.54; 9.01) in the second case. By another way, at the level of the 34 drainage basins, correlation analysis have shown statistically significant positive associations between several variables representing pesticides utilization in agriculture and geographic variations of some cancers, according to sex and age groups, especially for the following: men, cancer of the brain (1-14 and 15-34 age groups), cancers of the lymphatic tissues (34-64) and leukaemia (1-14); for women, cancer of the brain (35-64), the lymphatic tissues (35-64, 65 and more, all ages) and leukaemia (15-34, 35-64, 65 and more and all ages). After that, principal components analysis has been performed using variables representing pesticides utilization and socio-economic status by basin. Height factors have been produced, including two socio-economic and six pesticides-factors. Factor scores have been introduced in multiple regression analysis to see the role of each factor in the explanation of spatial distribution of those cancers who had been identified in the correlation analysis before. Results have shown that in most of the cases, only pesticides-factors have significant relationship with those cancers. Socio-economic factors play a significant role only for the following cancers: men, lymphatic tissues, 65 years old and more; women, cancer of the brain all ages, leukaemia 1-14 and 65 years old and more. However, these results must be interpreted with caution for the goal of the study is to describe potential relationships.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Incidence of cancers of the brain, the lymphatic tissues, and of leukemia and the use of pesticides among Quebec's rural farm population, 1982-1983.

Massive use of pesticides in agriculture poses risks for the environment and for human health. Pesticides are toxic substances and the suggestion that some may be carcinogenic has been the source of much controversy. In this article we focus on the relation between the use of pesticides in agriculture and the incidence of cancers of the lymphatic tissues, the brain, and of leukemia in the rural farm population in 34 major drainage basins in the province of Quebec (Canada) for the period 1982-1983. The basins were grouped into three categories (low, intermediate and high exposure) based upon the amount of pesticide sold. The study of highly exposed basins shows an excessive incidence of leukemia (SMR = 1.69, p less than or equal to 0.05) for men in rural farm areas in the Yamaska river basin. This specific group's relative risk (RR) of incidence as compared to the urban male population is 2.27 (p less than or equal to 0.05). The RR is also high and statistically significant among the men in municipalities that draw their drinking water from wells (RR = 2.07, p less than or equal to 0.05) as compared to those where water is drawn from rivers. Most municipalities using wells are in the rural farm areas. These results suggest that there may be a relationship between leukemia and the use of pesticides in this drainage basin, and this hypothesis could be verified at the individual level in epidemiological studies.

Brain Neoplasms↗