Find research datasets worth reusing

Data from: Social network analysis of psychological morbidity in an urban slum of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study based on a community census

Background Social ties are believed to play important roles in mitigating depression and anxiety, as well as fostering mental health in the population. We test this association for young urban men in Bangladesh. Methods Using a locally adapted GHQ-12 instrument, we enumerate self-reported mental health outcomes for 824 post-adolescent young men between the ages of 18 and 29 in a low-income urban community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We further measure the social network for all our subjects and estimate the association of social network of the respondents with self-reported mental health outcomes controlling for possible confounders. Results We find there are considerable variations in both the mental health outcomes and social network across respondents. The GHQ scores (mean = 9.2, SD = 4.9) suggest significant psychological morbidity among the respondents. However, our findings imply better social ties and connections can potentially mitigate negative mental health outcomes (0.05-0.65 lower standardized GHQ score). Among other factors, being married and a recent migrant are also associated with better mental health status (0.17-0.20 and 0.16-0.17 lower standardized GHQ scores respectively). Conclusion Our results underscore the importance of social connection in providing buffer against stress and anxiety through psychosocial support from one's peer in a resource constraint urban setting. Our findings also suggest incorporating social network and ties in designing mental health policies and interventions.

Data from: Gray matter volume modifications in migraine: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Objective. To explore cross-sectional and longitudinal gray matter (GM) volume changes in migraine patients and their association with patients' clinical characteristics and disease activity. Methods. Brain T2-weighted and 3D T1-weighted scans were acquired from 73 episodic migraineurs and 46 age- and sex-matched non-migraine controls at baseline. Twenty-four migraineurs and 25 controls agreed to be re-examined after a mean follow-up of 4 years. Using a general linear model and SPM12, a whole-brain analysis was performed to assess GM volume modifications. Results. At baseline, compared to controls, migraine patients showed lower cerebellar GM volume and higher volume of regions of the fronto-temporal lobes. At follow-up, migraineurs were significantly older than controls. Over the follow-up, migraineurs developed an increased volume of fronto-temporo-parietal regions, which was more prominent in patients with a higher baseline disease activity: long disease duration and high attack frequency. Migraineurs also developed decreased GM volume of visual areas, which was related to higher pain severity. Patients with an increased attack frequency at follow-up experienced both increased and decreased volume of nociceptive regions. In migraineurs, reduced GM volume of extrastriate visual areas during the follow-up was significantly correlated to baseline disease activity: shorter disease duration and lower attack frequency. Conclusion. In this cohort, the migraine brain changes dynamically over time and different pathophysiological mechanisms can occur in response to patients' disease severity. The interaction between predisposing brain traits and experience-dependent responses might vary across different nociceptive and visual areas, thus leading to distinct patterns of longitudinal GM volume changes.

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Prevalence characteristics of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in the Taizhou area, China: a cross-sectional study of 37 967 women from the general population

Objectives: High-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) are highly prevalent worldwide, and HPV genotypes differ between geographical regions; however, sexually transmitted HPV may lead to cervical carcinogenesis. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence characteristics of cervical HPV genotypes in Taizhou, Southeast China. Setting and participants: A population-based sample of 37 967 eligible women (median age: 41.6; range: 15–90 years) visiting the Taizhou ENZE Medical Center in Taizhou (2012–2016) was analysed. HPV genotyping was performed on the collected specimens using a GP5+/bioGP6+-PCR/MPG assay by Luminex 200, which simultaneously identifies 27 different HPV genotypes and the β-globin gene (internal control). Results: The overall HPV infection rate was 22.8% in the Taizhou-based population, and the prevalence of high-risk HPV, low-risk HPV and mixed high-risk and low-risk HPV infection was 14.2%, 5.7% and 3.0%, respectively. The most prevalent genotypes were HPV52 (19.7%), 16 (11.9%), 58 (11.5%), 39 (7.2%), 18 (6.6%) and 56 (5.6%). The rate of multiple-type HPV infection was 5.7% in the whole population, and the HPV52+58, HPV16+52 and HPV16+18 mixed genotypes were most common in women with multiple infections. The age-specific HPV prevalence showed a bimodal curve, with a first peak below the age of 21 years (41.6%), followed by a second peak in the age group of 56–60 years (28.5%). Moreover, the HPV infection rate differed significantly between the outpatient and physical examination groups (24.0% vs 19.5%, p<0.0001). Further data comparisons showed that the distribution of HPV genotypes varied markedly between the two groups. Conclusions: Data from this study could be valuable for HPV-based cervical cancer screening efforts in certain areas, support the local vaccination programme in the Taizhou region and facilitate future diagnosis and treatment of HPV diseases.

opencc-zeroDec 2012View details →

Data from: Low prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among men who have sex with men attending an STI clinic in Amsterdam, a cross-sectional study

Objective: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA. It is unknown whether this is also the case in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sexually transmitted infection outpatient low- threshold clinic, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants: Between October 2008 and April 2010, a total of 211 men were included, in two groups: (1) 74 MSM with clinical signs of a skin or soft tissue infection (symptomatic group) and (2) 137 MSM without clinical signs of such infections (asymptomatic group). Primary outcome measures: S aureus and MRSA infection and/or colonisation. Swabs were collected from the anterior nasal cavity, throat, perineum, penile glans and, if present, from infected skin lesions. Culture for S aureus was carried out on blood agar plates and for MRSA on selective chromagar plates after enrichment in broth. If MRSA was found, the spa- gene was sequenced. Secondary outcome measures: Associated demographic characteristics, medical history, risk factors for colonisation with S aureus and high-risk sexual behaviour were collected through a self- completed questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of S aureus colonisation in the nares was 37%, the pharynx 11%, the perianal region 12%, the glans penis 10% and in skin lesions 40%. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, anogenital S aureus colonisation was significantly associated with the symptomatic group (p=0.01) and marginally with HIV ( p=0.06). MRSA was diagnosed in two cases: prevalence 0.9% (95% CI 0.1% to 3.4%)). Neither had CA-MRSA strains. Conclusions: CA-MRSA among MSM in Amsterdam is rare. Genital colonisation of S aureus is not associated with high-risk sexual behaviour.

Data from: Out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation experience, confidence, and confidence-associated factors among Northern Japanese emergency life-saving technicians: a population-based cross-sectional study

Objective: Clinical procedural experience and confidence are both important when performing complex medical procedures. Because out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a complex intervention, we sought to clarify clinical ETI experience among prehospital rescuers as well as their confidence in performing ETI and confidence-associated factors. Design: Population-based cross-sectional study conducted from January to September 2017. Setting: Northern Japan, including eight prefectures. Participants: Emergency life-saving technicians (ELSTs) authorized to perform ETI. Outcome measures: Annual ETI exposure and confidence in performing ETI, according to a 5-point Likert scale. To determine factors associated with ETI confidence, differences between confident ELSTs (those scoring 4 or 5 on the Likert scale) and non-confident ELSTs were evaluated. Results: Questionnaires were sent to 149 fire departments; 140 agreed to participate. Among the 2821 ELSTs working at responding fire departments, 2620 returned the questionnaire (response rate, 92.9%); complete data sets were available for 2567 ELSTs (complete response rate, 91.0%). Of those 2567 respondents, 95.7% performed two or fewer ETI annually; 46.6% reported lack of confidence in performing ETI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that years of clinical experience (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.13), annual ETI exposure (AOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.59–2.03), and the availability of ETI skill retention programs including regular simulation training (AOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.68) and operating room training (AOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14–1.83) were independently associated with confidence in performing ETI. Conclusions: ETI is an uncommon event for most ELSTs and nearly half of respondents did not have confidence in performing this procedure. Because confidence in ETI was independently associated with availability of regular simulation and operating room training, standardization of ETI reeducation that incorporates such methods may be useful for prehospital rescuers.

opencc-zeroMar 2020View details →

Multilevel modeling of time-series cross-sectional data reveals the dynamic interaction between ecological threats and democratic development

What is the relationship between environment and democracy? The framework of cultural evolution suggests that societal development is an adaptation to ecological threats. Pertinent theories assume that democracy emerges as societies adapt to ecological factors such as higher economic wealth, lower pathogen threats, less demanding climates, and fewer natural disasters. However, previous research confused within-country processes with between-country processes and erroneously interpreted between-country findings as if they generalize to within-country mechanisms. In this article, we analyze a time-series cross-sectional dataset to study the dynamic relationship between environment and democracy (1949-2016), accounting for previous misconceptions in levels of analysis. By separating within-country processes from between-country processes, we find that the relationship between environment and democracy not only differs by countries but also depends on the level of analysis. Economic wealth predicts increasing levels of democracy in between-country comparisons, but within-country comparisons show that democracy declines as countries become wealthier over time. This relationship is only prevalent among historically wealthy countries but not among historically poor countries, whose wealth also increased over time. By contrast, pathogen prevalence predicts lower levels of democracy in both between-country and within-country comparisons. Our longitudinal analyses identifying temporal precedence reveal that not only reductions in pathogen prevalence drive future democracy, but also democracy reduces future pathogen prevalence and increases future wealth. These nuanced results contrast with previous analyses using narrow, cross-sectional data. As a whole, our findings illuminate the dynamic process by which environment and democracy shape each other.

opencc-zeroDec 2018View details →

Data from: Factors associated with possession of accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management among operations leaders of radiation decontamination workers in Fukushima, Japan: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: An operations leader (OL) takes an important role in occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers in Japan, and candidates for the position must participate in a training session to acquire the necessary knowledge as required by law. However, it has not been clarified whether the candidates for the OL position actually possess accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management for such work after the training session. We therefore aimed at examining the current occupational health management knowledge among the candidates and investigating factors related to the knowledge, with hypothesis that possession of accurate knowledge is associated with prior experience of having worked in radiation decontamination. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: The training sessions held by Fukushima Prefecture Labor Standard Associations in Fukushima, Japan, in 2017. Participants: Eighty male candidates participated in the training sessions. Outcome: The number/proportion of correct answers to the questions regarding occupational health management such as those on working environment management, control of operations, and health management. Results: The proportion of those who possessed accurate knowledge regarding working environment management, control of operations, and health management, was 68.8%, 55.0%, and 51.2%, respectively. Experience of radiation decontamination work was associated with the possession of inaccurate knowledge regarding working environment management (OR 0.140 [95% CI 0.042, 0.464]), and the uncertainty of future radiation decontamination work schedules in difficult-to-return zones was associated with the possession of accurate knowledge regarding health management (OR 4.382 [95% CI 1.525, 12.591]). Conclusions: Previous experience in radiation decontamination work may hinder the ability to acquire accurate information regarding working environment management among candidates for an OL position. To promote adequate occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers, it is required to establish an effective instructional method for the OL candidate training sessions with consideration of previous relevant experience.

opencc-zeroDec 2013View details →

Data from: Shared decision-making as a cost-containment strategy: US physician reactions from a cross-sectional survey

Objective: To assess US physicians' attitudes towards using shared decision-making (SDM) to achieve cost containment. Design: Cross-sectional mailed survey. Setting: US medical practice. Participants: 3897 physicians were randomly selected from the AMA Physician Masterfile. Of these, 2556 completed the survey. Main outcome measures: Level of enthusiasm for "Promoting better conversations with patients as a means of lowering healthcare costs"; degree of agreement with "Decision support tools that show costs would be helpful in my practice" and agreement with "should promoting SDM be legislated to control overall healthcare costs". Results: Of 2556 respondents (response rate (RR) 65%), two-thirds (67%) were 'very enthusiastic' about promoting SDM as a means of reducing healthcare costs. Most (70%) agreed decision support tools that show costs would be helpful in their practice, but only 24% agreed with legislating SDM to control costs. Compared with physicians with billing-only compensation, respondents with salary compensation were more likely to strongly agree that decision support tools showing costs would be helpful (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7). Primary care physicians (vs surgeons, OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6) expressed more enthusiasm for SDM being legislated as a means to address healthcare costs. Conclusions: Most US physicians express enthusiasm about using SDM to help contain costs. They believe decision support tools that show costs would be useful. Few agree that SDM should be legislated as a means to control healthcare costs.

opencc-zeroDec 2012View details →

Data from: Long-term benefit of hepatitis C therapy in a safety net hospital system: a cross-sectional study with median 5-year follow-up

Objectives: To demonstrate the effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and survival benefit from sustained virologic remission (SVR) in a safety net hospital population with limited resources. Design and setting: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at an urban safety-net hospital in the U.S. Participants and intervention: 242 patients receiving standard HCV therapy between 2001 and 2006. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Response rates, including sustained virologic response (SVR), were recorded for each patient. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of SVR and 5 year survival. Results: A total of 242 eligible patients were treated. Treatment was completed in 197 (81%) patients, with 43 patients discontinuing therapy early – 32 due to adverse events and 11 due to non-compliance. Complications on treatment were frequent, including 3 deaths. SVR was achieved in 83 patients (34%). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of a decreased likelihood of achieving SVR included African American race (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07 – 0.54), genotype 1 HCV infection (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13 – 0.50) and the presence of cirrhosis (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 – 0.58). Survival was 98% in those achieving SVR (median follow-up 72 months) and 71% in non-responders and those discontinuing therapy (n = 91, median known follow-up 65 and 36 months respectively). On multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of improved survival was SVR (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 – 0.52). Both cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia were independent predictors of increased mortality. Conclusions: HCV therapy can be effective despite limited resources. Survival is improved in those achieving SVR. Treatment before histologic cirrhosis develops, in combination with careful selection, may improve long-term outcomes without compromising other health care endeavors in safety net hospitals and areas with financial limitations.

opencc-zeroDec 2014View details →

Data from: Paternal factors and inequity associated with access to maternal health care service utilization in Nepal: a community based cross-sectional study

Background: The threat of maternal mortality can be reduced by increasing use of maternal health services. Maternal death and access to maternal health care services are inequitable in low and middle income countries.The aim of this study is to assess associated paternal factors and degree of inequity in access to maternal health care service utilization. Methods: Analysis illustrates on a cross-sectional household survey that followed multistage-cluster sampling. Concentration curve and indices were calculated. Binary logistic regression analysis was executed to account paternal factors associated with the utilization of maternal health services. Path model with structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the predictors of antenatal care (ANC) and institutional delivery. Results: The finding of this study revealed that 39.9% and 45.5% of the respondents' wives made ANC visits and utilized institutional delivery services respectively. Men with graduate and higher level of education were more likely (AOR: 5.91, 95% CI; 4.02, 8.70) to have ANC of their wives than men with no education or primary level of education. Men with higher household income (Q5) were more likely (1.99, 95% CI; 1.39, 2.86) to have ANC for their wives. Similarly, higher household income (Q5) also determined (2.74, 95% CI; 1.81, 4.15) for institutional delivery of their wives. Concentration curve and indices also favored rich than the poor. SEM revealed that ANC visit was directly associated to institutional delivery. Conclusions: Paternal factors like age, household wealth, number of children, ethnicity, education, knowledge of danger sign during pregnancy, and husband's decision making for seeking maternal and child health care are crucial factors associated to maternal health service utilization. Higher ANC coverage predicts higher utilization of the institutional delivery. Wealthier population is more concentrated to maternal health services. The inequities between the poor and the rich are necessary to be addressed through effective policy and programs.

opencc-zeroDec 2015View details →

Data from: Population characteristics, mechanisms of primary care and premature mortality in England: a cross-sectional study

Objectives. Health systems with strong primary care tend to have better population outcomes, but in many countries demand for care is growing. We sought to identify mechanisms of primary care that influence premature mortality. Design. We developed a conceptual model of the mechanisms by which primary care influences premature mortality, and undertook a cross-sectional study in which population and primary care variables reflecting the model were used to explain variations in mortality under aged 75 years. The premature standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for each practice, available from the Department of Health, had been calculated from numbers of deaths in the five years 2006-10. A regression model was undertaken with explanatory variables for the year 2009/10, and repeated to check stability using data for 2008/09 and 2010/11. Setting: All general practices in England were eligible for inclusion, and of the total of 8290, complete data were available for 7858. Results. Population variables, particularly deprivation, were the most powerful predictors of premature mortality, but the mechanisms of primary care depicted in our model also affected mortality. The number of GPs/1000 population and detection of hypertension were negatively associated with mortality. In less deprived practices, continuity of care was also negatively associated with mortality. Conclusions. Greater supply of primary care is associated with lower premature mortality even in a health system that has strong primary care (England). Health systems need to sustain the capacity of primary care to deliver effective care, and should assist primary care providers in identifying and meeting the needs of socio-economically deprived groups.

opencc-by-4.0Jun 2021View details →

Risk for excessive anticoagulation during hemodialysis is associated with type of vascular access and bedside coagulation testing: Results of a cross-sectional study

Anonymized dataset of the cross-sectional study assessing (i) heparin dosing within a prevalent hemodialysis cohort, (ii) the anticoagulant effects of the heparinization strategy and (iii) identifying predictive factors of the heparin dosing regimen.

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Modelling the probability of microhabitat formation on trees using cross-sectional data

1. Context: Tree-related microhabitats (TreMs), such as trunk cavities, peeled bark, cracks or sporophores of lignicolous fungi, are essential to support forest biodiversity because they are used as substrate, foraging, roosting or breeding places by bryophytes, fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. Biodiversity conservation requires the continuous presence of TreMs in a forest. However, little is known about their dynamics. Moreover, we usually have only cross-sectional TreM data (observations of many trees at a single time), making it difficult to estimate TreM formation rates. 2. Method: This study adapted the methods of survival and reliability analysis to model the rate of TreM formation per unit of diameter increment as a function of tree diameter at breast height (DBH). We tested three variants of this model: the TreM formation rate independent of, proportional to or increasing non-linearly with DBH. We calculated the likelihood of the models, considering cross-sectional observations either of TreM presence/absence or TreM number on trees of different sizes. We calibrated the models in six sub-natural montane forests dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver fir (Abies alba) – in the French Pyrenees. Assuming an annual DBH increment value, the annual formation rate of TreMs was predicted both at the level of the tree and at the level of the forest stand. 3. Results: This method provided a coherent framework to model the probability that a TreM forms on a tree during a unit growth step and produces realistic predictions of TreM accumulation on trees. TreM formation accelerated as trees grew for A. alba but not for F. sylvatica. The TreM formation rate was twice as fast on F. sylvatica as on A. alba. We estimated a formation of 0.82–1.28 TreMs/ha per year and 0.5–0.9 TreM bearing trees/ha per year in the sub-natural forests studied. 4. Synthesis and applications: This method makes rigorous modelling of the formation of TreMs possible during the growth of trees and forest stands. The quantitative evaluation of TreM fluxes will help to design forest biodiversity conservation strategies favouring the development and temporal continuity of TreMs.

opencc-zeroDec 2016View details →

Data from: Medical school selection criteria as predictors of medical student empathy: a cross-sectional study of medical students, Ireland

Objectives: To determine whether performance in any of the HPAT sections, most specifically the interpersonal understanding section, correlates with self-reported empathy levels in medical students. Setting: The study was conducted in University College Cork, Ireland. Participants: 290 students participated in the study. Matching HPAT scores were available for 263 students. All male and female undergraduate students were invited to participate. Post graduate and international students were excluded. Primary and secondary outcome measures: HPAT-Ireland and JSPE scores were compared including subsection analysis. Comparisons were made between groups such as gender and year of programme. Results : A total of 290 students participated. Males scored significantly higher than females for total HPAT-Ireland [U = 7329, z = -2.04, p < 0.05], HPAT-Ireland Section 1 [U = 5382, z = -5.21, p < 0.0001], and Section 3 scores [U = 6833, z = -2.85, p < 0.01]. In contrast, females scored significantly higher than males on HPAT-Ireland Section 2 [U = 5844, z = -4.46, p < 0.0001]. Females demonstrated significantly higher total JSPE scores relative to males [mean score ± SEM: 113.33 ± 1.05 vs 109.21 ± 0.95; U = 8450, z = -2.83, p < 0.01]. No significant association was observed between JSPE scores and any of the HPAT-Ireland measures [all p > 0.05]. There was no effect of programme year on JSPE scores [all p >0.05]. Conclusion : The introduction of the HPAT–Ireland test was partly designed to identify students with strong interpersonal skills. A significant finding of this study is that JSPE values did not correlate with HPAT-Ireland scores. This study suggests no clear link between scores on a selection test, the HPAT-Ireland, which is designed to assess several skill domains including interpersonal skills, and scores on a psychometric measure of empathy, at any point during medical education.

opencc-zeroSep 2019View details →

Data from: Disparity in preemptive end-of-life conversation experience caused by subjective economic status among general Japanese elderly people: a cross-sectional study with stratified random sampling

Objectives: Preemptive conversations (PCs) about end-of-life (EOL) preferences are beneficial for both elderly people and their families to understand and share the preferences. However, the factors which promote/inhibit PCs have yet to be clarified. We therefore aimed to determine the factors related to having PCs with hypothesis that age, subjective economic status and subjective health status are associated with having PC experience. Design: A cross-sectional study administering a questionnaire and using stratified random sampling by gender and region. Setting: Residents aged 65 years or older who were not receiving nursing care as of November 1, 2016, were extracted from the Japanese long-term care insurance system registry in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Participants: 1,575 participants (717 males and 858 females). Outcome: Presence or absence of PC experience with family or friends (yes/no). Results: The mean age of the participants was 74.0 years. A multivariable logistic-regression analysis revealed that having PC experience was significantly associated with gender (OR = 1.907; 95% CI = 1.556, 2.337; p < 0.001), subjective economic status (OR = 0.832; 95% CI = 0.716, 0.966; p=0.016), and subjective happiness (OR = 0.926; 95% CI = 0.880, 0.973; p=0.003). Conclusions: Poor subjective economic status of elderly people may result in absence of EOL conversation experience with their families and friends, hindering the elderly from sharing and understanding the EOL preferences. To promote PCs about EOL, gerontology and public health professionals should give special consideration to the subjective economic status of elderly people.

opencc-zeroApr 2020View details →

Impact of smoking cessation, coffee and bread consumption on the intestinal microbial composition among Saudis: A cross-sectional study

The gut microbiota is often affected by the dietary and lifestyle habits of the host, resulting in a better efficacy that favors energy harvesting from the consumed food. Our objective was to characterize the composition of gut microbiota in adult Saudis and investigate possible association with lifestyle and dietary practices. Feces from 104 Saudi volunteers (48% males) were tested for microbiota by sequencing the V3-V4 region of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). For all participants, data were collected related to their lifestyle habits and dietary practices. The relative abundance (RA) of Fusobacteria was significantly higher in normal weight Saudis ( p =0.005, FDR=0.014). Individuals who consumed more coffee presented marginally significant more RA of Fusobacteria ( p =0.02, FDR=0.20) in their gut microbiota compared to those reporting low or no coffee intake, but the RA of Fusobacteria was significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers p =0.009, FDR=0.027) . The RA of Fusobacteria was also significantly higher in those reporting daily consumption of bread ( p =0.005, FDR=0.015). At the species level, the gut microbiota of people who consumed coffee was dominated by Bacteroidetes thetaiotaomicron followed by Phascolarctobacterium faecium and Eubacteriumrectale . Similarly, the gut microbiota of smokers was also enriched by B. thetaiotaomicron and Lactobacillus amylovorus. Smoking cessation, bread and coffee consumption induce changes in the intestinal microbial composition of Saudis. This indicates the significance of diet and lifestyle practices in the determination of the composition of the gut microbiota, which could possibly lead later to changes in metabolic profile and weight.

Data from: Postpartum family planning integration with maternal, newborn, and child health services: a cross-sectional analysis of client flow patterns in India and Kenya

Objectives: Maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services represent opportunities to integrate postpartum family planning (PPFP). Objectives were to determine levels of MNCH-family planning (FP) integration and associations between integration, client characteristics, and service delivery factors in facilities that received programmatic PPFP support. Design and setting: Cross-sectional client flow assessment conducted May–July 2014, over 5 days at 10 purposively selected public sector facilities in India (four hospitals) and Kenya (two hospitals, four health centers). Participants: 2,158 client visits tracked (1,294 India; 864 Kenya). Women aged 18 or older accessing services while pregnant and/or with a child under 2 years. Interventions: PPFP/postpartum intrauterine device—Bihar, India (2012–2013); Jharkhand, India (2010–2014); Embu, Kenya (2008–2012). Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition/FP integration—Bondo, Kenya (2011–2013). Primary outcome measures: Proportion of visits where clients received integrated MNCH-FP services, client characteristics as predictors of MNCH-FP integration, and MNCH-FP integration as predictor of length of time spent at facility. Results: Levels of MNCH-FP integration varied widely across facilities (5.3% to 63.0%), as did proportion of clients receiving MNCH-FP integrated services by service area. Clients traveling 30–59 minutes were half as likely to receive integrated services versus those traveling under 30 minutes (odds ratio [OR] 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–0.7, p<.001). Clients receiving MNCH-FP services (versus MNCH services only) spent an average of 10.5 minutes longer at the facility (95% CI −0.1–21.9, not statistically significant). Conclusions: Findings suggest importance of focused programmatic support for integration by MNCH service area. FP integration was highest in areas receiving specific support. Integration does not seem to impose an undue burden on clients in terms of time spent at the facility. Clients living furthest from facilities are least likely to receive integrated services.

opencc-zeroApr 2016View details →

Exposure to high endotoxin concentration increases wheezing prevalence among laboratory animal workers: a cross-sectional study

Background: Endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria are found in different concentrations in dust and on the ground of laboratories dealing with small animals and animal houses. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed in workplaces of two universities. Dust samples were collected from laboratories and animal facilities housing rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits or hamsters and analyzed by the “Limulus amebocyte lysate” (LAL) method. We also sampled workplaces without animals. The concentrations of endotoxin detected in the workplaces were tested for association with wheezing in the last 12 months, asthma defined by self-reported diagnosis and asthma confirmed by bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to mannitol. Results: Dust samples were obtained at 145 workplaces, 92 with exposure to animals and 53 with no exposure. Exposed group comprised 412 subjects and non-exposed group comprised 339 subjects. Animal-exposed workplaces had higher concentrations of endotoxin, median of 34.2 endotoxin units (EU) per mg of dust (interquartile range, 12.6-65.4), as compared to the non-exposed group, median of 10.2 EU/mg of dust (interquartile range, 2.6-22.2) (p < 0.001). The high concentration of endotoxin (above median, 20.4 EU/mg) was associated with increased wheezing prevalence (p < 0.001), i.e. 61% of workers exposed to high endotoxin concentration reported wheezing in the last 12 months compared to 29% of workers exposed to low endotoxin concentration. The concentration of endotoxin was not associated with asthma report or with BHR confirmed asthma. Conclusion: Exposure to endotoxin is associated with a higher prevalence of wheezing, but not with asthma as defined by the mannitol bronchial challenge test or by self-reported asthma. Preventive measures are necessary for these workers.

opencc-zeroMay 2016View details →

Pharmaceutical Equivalence of Distributed Generic Antiretroviral (ARV) in Asian settings: the cross-sectional surveillance study -PEDA study

This is the raw data for the PEDA study.