Phthalate esters in water and sediment of Asunle stream of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Distribution and human health risks.

This study determined the concentrations and seasonal variations of phthalate esters (PAEs) in water and sediment samples of the receiving stream within the vicinity of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife dumpsite. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pollution status of the study area by determining the levels of PAEs in water and sediment samples. This assessment aimed to understand the presence and extent of phthalate ester pollution in the study area.

End-of-life hospital care for cancer patients: an update.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and the number of new cases is expected to increase as the population ages and grows. This study examined the use of hospital services in the last month of life by adult cancer patients who died in Canadian acute care hospitals in fiscal year 2012-2013. Almost 25,000 Canadian cancer patients - excluding those in Quebec - died in acute care hospitals, representing approximately 45% of the estimated cancer deaths in 2012-2013.

Testing for BNP and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate BNP and NT-proBNP to: (a) identify determinants, (b) establish their diagnostic performance in heart failure (HF) patients, (c) determine their predictive ability with respect to mortality and other cardiac endpoints, and (d) determine their value in monitoring HF treatment.

Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, and AMED from 1989 to February 2005 were searched for primary studies.

Review Methods: Standard systematic review methodology, including meta-analysis, was employed.