Scorecard for spina bifida research, prevention, and policy: Score analysis by Human Development Index and WHO region

Causes of death among people with myelomeningocele: A multi-institutional 47-year retrospective study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to analyze organ system-based causes and non-organ system-based mechanisms of death (COD, MOD) in people with myelomeningocele (MMC), comparing urological to other COD.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 16 institutions in Canada/United States of non-random convenience sample of people with MMC (born > = 1972) using non-parametric statistics.

RESULTS

Of 293 deaths (89% shunted hydrocephalus), 12% occurred in infancy, 35% in childhood, and 53% in adulthood (documented COD: 74%). For 261 shunted individuals, leading COD were neurological (21%) and pulmonary (17%), and leading MOD were infections (34%, including shunt infections: 4%) and non-infectious shunt malfunctions (14%). For 32 unshunted individuals, leading COD were pulmonary (34%) and cardiovascular (13%), and leading MOD were infections (38%) and non-infectious pulmonary (16%). COD and MOD varied by shunt status and age (p < = 0.04), not ambulation or birthyear (p > = 0.16). Urology-related deaths (urosepsis, renal failure, hematuria, bladder perforation/cancer: 10%) were more likely in females (p = 0.01), independent of age, shunt, or ambulatory status (p > = 0.40). COD/MOD were independent of bladder augmentation (p = >0.11). Unexplained deaths while asleep (4%) were independent of age, shunt status, and epilepsy (p >= 0.47).

CONCLUSION

COD varied by shunt status. Leading MOD were infectious. Urology-related deaths (10%) were independent of shunt status; 26% of COD were unknown. Life-long multidisciplinary care and accurate mortality documentation are needed.

Relation between Globe Latitude and the Quality of Life: Insights for Public Policy Management

Life quality and its determinants represent a topic which is essential to all civilizations, past and present. This paper employs common methods for inspecting factors of correlation with the aim of assessing the influence of geographical location on life quality and happiness. After setting a stable theoretical cornerstone, the article works with the measures reported by the Human Development Index (HDI) and the World Happiness Score (WHS). The work finds and proves ties between the globe latitude of one’s dwelling and their reported life quality measures, with the main conclusion being that the quality of life measured by the HDI and WHS is spread around the globe asymmetrically regarding latitude. Following the results of the research, possible reasons such as enhanced strategic thinking and an emphasis on sounder plans for living embedded in public policy are discussed. Recommendations point toward the possibility of the global north issuing aid to the global south, not in the form of financial capital, but in the form of a knowledge transfer through technology-enabled learning as a means for uplifting global well-being.