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Pregnancy outcomes among U.S. women Vietnam veterans.

BACKGROUND: Since the 1965-1975 Vietnam War, there has been persistent concern that women who served in the U.S. military in Vietnam may have experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: We compared self-reported pregnancy outcomes for 4,140 women Vietnam veterans with those of 4,140 contemporary women veterans who were not deployed to Vietnam. As a measure of association, we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression adjusting for age at conception, race, education, military nursing status, smoking, drinking and other exposures during pregnancy. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant association between military service in Vietnam and index pregnancies resulting in miscarriage or stillbirth, low birth weight, pre-term delivery, or infant death. The risk of having children with "moderate-to-severe" birth defects was significantly elevated among Vietnam veterans (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.06-2.02). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of birth defects among index children was significantly associated with mother's military service in Vietnam.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

[Sex differences in health and health behavior].

The higher life expectancy of women is contrasting with the higher female morbidity known from health interview surveys and statistics on use of health services. In the Swiss Health Survey SOMIPOPS, women report higher rates of complaints, diagnoses, chronical impairments and psychic illness, more frequent restrictions of their daily activities for health reasons and a worse overall health status. In men, only higher rates of indicators related to respiratory diseases and accidents were found. On the other hand, women have a stronger health orientation in daily life habits, seem to differ from men in health perception, are more willing to treat symptoms and use health services more often for preventive reasons. Comparison of survey and examination data reveal a different health perception and a higher female willingness to treat symptoms. The question is arised whether the different health behaviour have long-term effects, especially on life-expectancy.

Adult↗

Record linkage in a regional mental health planning study: accuracy of unique identifiers, reliability of sociodemographics, and estimating identification error.

Assembling information about individuals over time allows health managers and researchers to describe the progression of diseases, the care history of individuals and the sequences of care episodes that potentially result in improving individuals' health status. However, current mental health statistics generally focus on sets of events rather than groups of individuals making it impossible to distinguish between two different persons being admitted and the same person being admitted twice. Accurate figures on treatment prevalence cannot be generated and multiservice users across time or across agencies will inflate the statistics used to plan needed services. The capacity to link consistently defined bits of information together is critical to developing a reliable information system. This article examines the adequacy of using unique identifier codes to accomplish linkage by focusing on one example of record linkage that incorporates mental health information from both community and institutional sectors in one region of Ontario, Canada. Findings indicate that unique "cradle to grave" identifiers do not guarantee accuracy if manual transcription is involved.

Databases, Factual↗

Artificial neural network: predicted vs observed survival in patients with colonic cancer.

PURPOSE: An Internet-web-based artificial neural network has been developed for practicing clinical oncologists and medical researchers as part of an ongoing program designed for the implementation of advanced neural networks for prognostic estimates and eventually for management/treatment decisions in individual patients with colonic cancer. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team of academic oncologists and physicists has configured and implemented a Partial Logistic Artificial Neural Network and trained it to predict cancer-related survival in patients with confirmed colorectal cancer by using a database (1,558 patients) made available for the study by the Information & Statistics Division of National Health Service Scotland. The reliability of the trained network was evaluated against Kaplan-Meier observed survival plots of a random sample of 300 patients not used in the training but forming part of the same data set. RESULTS: The predicted survival curves obtained as the output from the artificial neural network showed close agreement with observed actual survival rates of a cohort of 300 patients with four grades of risk of dying from the cancer within five years of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The web-based Partial Logistic Artificial Neural Network system accurately predicts survival after staging and treatment of colonic cancer. It can be made web-accessible where it is powerful enough to serve hundreds of users simultaneously.

Aged↗

1991 registry of the French Society of Hemapheresis (SFH): preliminary results for the first year of the on-line computer access file. The Registry Study Group.

From 1985 to 1990, the French Society of Hemapheresis (SFH) managed a National Registry of Plasma Exchange (PE) which included a data collection service, computer data input and statistical analysis of the total operation. The management of this registry did, however, encounter some problems. In 1991, an on-line computer access file was created, permitting French centers to input their data in Minitel Registry System. As a result, analysis on a national scale has proven more time-effective and data collection errors have been noticeably reduced. In January 1991, 43 centers were connected to the Minitel System. Only 17 centers, representing 4706 PEs, entered their data directly to the Minitel System during 1991 and, during the first term of 1992, a further 11 centers, representing 3258 PEs, communicated their data on paper in batch mode. The final total for 1990 was: 26 centers representing 860 patients and 7991 PEs. It is likely that some small imperfections have already developed during processing of the 1991 data, but these will be corrected as they are entered into the system. With the implementation of the Minitel System the French PE Registry represents a more accurate picture of plasmapheresis activity in France.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Health care costs of women with symptomatic vertebral fractures.

BACKGROUND: An important aspect of the economics of fracture prevention is averted fracture costs. However, while vertebral fractures represent a significant burden to society, quantifying their cost is difficult for several reasons. In this paper, we examine the health care costs of symptomatic vertebral fractures occurring in women aged 50 years and above in the UK. METHODS: We used a variety of data sources. The prevalence of pharmaceutical treatment for fracture prevention and number of general practitioner consultations, referrals, and hospital admissions associated with a diagnosis of vertebral fracture were identified from a case control study. For the unit cost of a general practitioner consultation, referral, and cost per inpatient day, we used 2002 data produced by the Personal Social Services Research Unit. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) for 2001-2002 were used to estimate the median length of stay in hospital for women aged 50 years and above, and the Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) was used to identify the costs of pharmaceutical treatments. Costs were discounted at 6%. RESULTS: From these data, we estimated that for the year prior and post diagnosis the average additional health care costs for those diagnosed with vertebral fracture were pounds 165, pounds 134, and pounds 2314 for general practitioner consultations, referrals, and hospital admissions, respectively (i.e., pounds 2613). The cost of pharmaceutical treatments prescribed for fracture prevention in the year following diagnosis was pound 97. DISCUSSION: Vertebral fractures are associated with significantly increased health care costs. These costs need to be set against the costs of fracture prevention.

Aged↗

Two-year clinical evaluation of lithia-disilicate-based all-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made with the Empress 2 system over a 2-year period. METHODS: Twenty anterior or posterior all-ceramic (Empress 2) crowns and 20 anterior or posterior, three-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated for 15 patients. Evaluations of the restorations were performed at baseline and once a year during the 2-year follow-up period. U.S. Public Health Service criteria were used to examine the marginal adaptation, color match, secondary caries and visible fractures in the restorations. Survival rate of the restorations were determined using Kaplan-Meier statistical analysis. RESULTS: U.S. Public Health Service criteria showed 100% Alpha scores concerning recurrent caries for both crowns and FPDs. No crown fractures were observed during the 2-year follow-up, however, 10 (50%) catastrophic failures of FPDs occurred. Five (25%) failures occurred within the 1-year clinical period and the others (25%) within the second year. SIGNIFICANCE: Single unit Empress 2 all-ceramic crowns exhibited a satisfactory clinical performance over 2-year period. Furthermore, the high fracture rate of Empress 2 FPDs limits the usage of Empress 2 for the fabrication of all-ceramic FPD.

Adult↗

The devastation of Bam: an overview of health issues 1 month after the earthquake.

The appalling earthquake in the ancient city of Bam on December 27th 2003 was one of the worst disasters since the last century in Iran. Further to the chilling statistics of human loss, essential services including water supply, power, telephone, health care services, main roads, and the city's only airport were crippled. From the 'public health' and 'health emergency' perspectives, the initial priorities were to minimise avoidable further mortality and morbidity. This required prompt evacuation of the injured, defining catchment areas, establishment of efficient systems for disease control, organising a disaster management plan, out patient management, co-ordination of international aid, and re-organising the current PHC network in the district. The second stage, each department planning health delivery for the subsequent year, was rapidly initiated. This paper discusses these strategies, which were designed specifically for Bam but are likely useful in similar situations.

Disasters↗

Sexual assault in Virginia: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Sexual assault is a serious social problem that affects the lives of many women, men, and children. Most sexual assaults are not reported to authorities and most victims do not seek services. As a result, accurate statistics on the prevalence and incidence of this problem are difficult to obtain. As in many states, the magnitude of sexual assault in Virginia is not known. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and determine the correlates of sexual assault among women in Virginia. METHODS: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among adult female residents of Virginia between November 2002 and February 2003. A total of 1,769 women aged 18 and older were interviewed using a random digit dialing method. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of sexual assault in Virginia was 27.6%. The majority (65%) were rape victims with a prevalence of 17.8%. Approximately 78% of the victims reported that the sexual assault occurred for the first time when they were children or adolescents. Women who reported sexual assault were more likely to be between 35 and 44 years old (OR = 3.57; 95% CI = 2.06-6.15), divorced/separated/widowed (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.13-2.30), consume alcohol four or more times a week (OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.01-3.21), ideate suicide (OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 3.23-6.23), and perceive their health status to be poorer (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.30-5.83). CONCLUSION: Sexual assault is a major public health problem in the Commonwealth of Virginia and children are disproportionately affected by the problem. Interventions and prevention programs should focus on children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗

Gender differences in mental health: evidence from three organisations.

It is commonly observed that women report higher levels of minor psychiatric morbidity than men. However, most research fails to control for the gendered distribution of social roles (e.g. paid work and domestic work) and so does not compare men and women in similar positions. In this short report, we examine the distribution of minor psychiatric morbidity (measured by the 12 item General Health Questionnaire) amongst men and women working in similar jobs within three white-collar organisations in Britain, after controlling for domestic and socioeconomic circumstances. Data from self-completion questionnaires were collected in a Bank (n = 2,176), a University (n = 1,641) and the Civil Service (n = 6,171). In all three organisations women had higher levels of minor psychiatric morbidity than men, but the differences were not great; in only the Civil Service sample did this reach statistical significance. We conclude that generalisations about gender differences in minor psychiatric morbidity can be unhelpful, as these differences may vary depending on the context of the study.

Adult↗

Optimization of the formulation and mechanical properties of starch based partially degradable bone cements.

Previous studies have shown the possibility of developing in-situ polymerizable hydrogels that disclose a range of properties that might allow for their use as bone cements. Their main advantage is to be partially degradable, which is important to allow bone ingrowth (better fixation). In addition, their uptake of water makes them less agressive for the tissues, disclosing better fatigue properties and ideal for release of drugs when in service. This work reports a statistical study of the formulation of partially degradable acrylic bone cements that include on their composition corn starch/cellulose acetate blends (SCA). The aim was to optimize a set of properties (mechanical, swelling/degradation and curing) by changing the values of some parameters such as SCA amount and particle size and molar ratio of the acrylic monomers. Statistical tests demonstrated that the most important parameter was the molar ratio of monomers, with the SCA percentage also playing a role. It was possible to develop formulations with mechanical properties in the range of ASTM specifications and with polymerization temperatures lower than those of commercial acrylic cements. Some formulations were subsequently selected for tensile and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) tests, under dry and wet conditions.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Outcome measures across program sites for postsecondary supported education programs.

This article briefly describes three supported education programs and examines outcomes for each. The program settings were a mental health center, a clubhouse, and a community college. Students (n = 124) were followed for five semesters to assess program outcomes. Although this study did not statistically control for variations in services among sites, each site adhered to the principles and practice of supported education as a specialized intervention. Differences among sites in student demographics, education and employment outcomes, satisfaction with school, job/education fit, satisfaction with life, and self-esteem are reported. Although there were variations in outcomes among sites, few signifcant differences were found.

Adult↗

Trends in survival from cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in Scotland: a clue as to why the disease is becoming more common?

Data were examined to determine trends in survival from cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in Scotland between 1968 and 1987, and to analyse survival rates and the previously noted increases in the incidence of such cancers according to the level of social deprivation. Incidence data on oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer and survival rates following diagnosis were obtained from the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency for the National Health Service in Scotland, covering the period 1968-92. It was found that survival rates for cancers of the tongue, mouth and pharynx diagnosed among persons less than 65 years of age decreased between 1968-72 and 1983-87. Five year relative survival rates fell from 47% to 39% over this period, while the equivalent rates among persons older than 65 years have shown a modest improvement from 34% to 38%. When considered by level of social deprivation, survival is lower among persons from the most deprived areas, and it is among such persons that the recent increases in occurrence of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx have primarily occurred. The poorer survival among those from more socially deprived areas, and the evidence that the largest increase in incidence has occurred in such areas may to some extent explain the non-favourable trends in mortality. More importantly it emphasises the potential benefits of targeting such a population for oral health information. An educational campaign should include both information on the risk factors for developing oral cancer, and also the importance of seeking an early professional consultation in the case of symptoms.

Aged↗

Dental attendance behaviour of children in Scotland between 1983 and 1988.

Parental permission was sought to monitor longitudinally the dental care of a sample of 5, 8, 12 and 15-year-olds in Scotland who took part in the 1983 national survey of children's dental health. The dental treatment records of those who volunteered were released by the Scottish Dental Practice Board and the Information and Statistics Division of the Common Services Agency to the Dental Health Services Research Unit at Dundee University. The baseline epidemiological survey data was passed on by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. During the period 1983 to 1988, less than half of the children in the sample attended for dental care at least once a year on average (ie at least five times in five years) and most also let a lapse of more than 2 years occur between dental visits at some time within the 5-year study period. Around 20% of the three youngest age groups changed dentist three or more times. These results indicate that steps need to be taken to improve the dental attendance of children in Scotland if the principle of continuing care underlying the new General Dental Service contract is to be achieved.

Adolescent↗

Compilation of tRNA sequences and sequences of tRNA genes.

Maintained at the Universitat Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany, the Compilation of tRNA Sequences and Sequences of tRNA Genes is accessible at the URL http://www.tRNA.uni-bayreuth.de with mirror site located at the Institute of Protein Research, Pushchino, Russia (http://alpha.protres.ru/trnadbase). The compilation is a searchable, periodically updated database of currently available tRNA sequences. The present version of the database contains a new Genomic tRNA Compilation including the sequences of tRNA genes from genomic sequences published up to July 2003. It consists of about 5800 tRNA gene sequences from 111 organisms covering archaea, bacteria, higher and lower eukarya. The former Compilation of tRNA Genes (up to the end of 1998) and the updated Compilation tRNA Sequences (561 entries) are also supported by the new software. The database can be explored by using multiple search criteria and sequence templates. The database provides a service that allows to obtain statistical information on the occurrences of certain bases at given positions of the tRNA sequences. This allows phylogenic studies and search for identity elements in respect to interactions of tRNAs with various enzymes.

Animals↗

Do substance abuse patients with more psychopathology receive more treatment?

The association between psychopathology at treatment entry and the amount of treatment services received was evaluated in 104 alcohol-dependent and 100 cocaine-dependent male veterans treated for 1 month in either a day hospital or inpatient program. Measures of psychopathology included the Addiction Severity Index psychiatric composite score, the presence or absence of an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis, and the total number of additional lifetime or current psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with higher admission Addiction Severity Index psychiatric composite scores received more medical, alcohol, family/social, and psychiatric services. There was also preliminary evidence that patients who received more treatment showed greater improvement 7 months after admission. The relationships between the other measures of psychopathology and treatment services failed to achieve overall statistical significance, although significant relationships were found in several individual areas.

Adult↗

Quality of patient care in the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease Program: the basis and implementation of the 1994-1997 End-Stage Renal Disease Health Care Quality Improvement Program.

Substantial changes have occurred in the quality assurance and improvement programs conducted by the Health Care Financing Administration in the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease Program. This review is a brief description of these changes and an introduction to the health policy, epidemiology, health services research, clinical nephrology, and statistical process control literature that is the basis for this initiative.

Humans↗