Examining experiential fear of crime using STUNDA: Findings from a smartphone-based experience methods study

Situational data have become more frequently used in research on offending and victimization. However, one outcome that has received less attention is fear of crime. The current study uses situational data collected through a smartphone application (STUNDA) to examine fear of crime as it is experienced in daily life among a sample of university students. Roughly 1200 situations reported by 129 students were analysed using generalized estimating equations. The results indicate that experiential fear of crime, in the form of worrying about victimization, is related to features of the immediate settings. More specifically, the odds ratio for experiencing fear of crime is significantly higher in places away from home and after dark, whereas social activities are associated with a significantly lower odds ratio, net of individual-level controls (gender, age, previous victimization and fear propensity). Yet, fear propensity, measured here using items that refer to an individual’s general worry about victimization, has an independent significant effect on fear of crime. As a result of the study’s convenience sample, the generalizability of the findings is limited, but a more general theoretical conclusion can nonetheless be drawn; features of settings and individual characteristics are both of importance. Further, the use of experience methods via a smartphone application provided detailed and unique situational data, which suggests that future research should further employ these methods to study situational phenomena such as fear of crime.

Is maternal cigarette or water pipe use associated with stopping breastfeeding? Evidence from the Jordan population and family health surveys 2012 and 2017–18

Background Maternal smoking is suspected to have negative impacts on breastfeeding, such as decreasing the quantity of breast milk, and reducing vitamin and fat concentrations in the milk in the late lactation period. Cigarette and water pipe tobacco products are widely used in Jordan. We aimed to estimate the association between use of different tobacco products and the rates of current breastfeeding. Methods Data from Jordan’s Population and Family Health Surveys 2012 and 2017–18 were examined. Last-born, living children, aged < 25 months, from singleton births, ever breastfed, and living with their mother were included. The key outcome variables were the current breastfeeding (during last 24 h) and tobacco usage status [water pipe tobacco (hookah or narghile) and/or cigarette tobacco]. Complex sample multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the current breastfeeding with maternal smoking status. Results Overall, 6726 infants were included in the study. The current breastfeeding rate in infants aged 0–6 months was 87%, compared with 43.9% in infants aged 12–17 months and 19.4% in infants aged 18–24 months. Overall, 4.4% had mothers who smoked cigarettes, 5.4% smoked water pipe, and 1.6% both cigarettes and water pipe. The proportion of breastfed infants in non-smoking mothers was 57.7% and, those in smoke water pipe, cigarette and both tobacco products were 55.4, 44.9, and 51.0% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that women cigarette smokers had a lower odds ratio (OR) for current breastfeeding (OR 0.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.39, 0.92). Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal cigarette smoking was associated with a lower odds ratio for current breastfeeding compared with mothers who smoked neither water pipe nor cigarettes (AOR 0.51, 95% Cl 0.30, 0.87). Conclusions These results indicate that maternal smoking is associated with termination of breastfeeding, suggesting that structured training should be organized for healthcare professionals, expectant mothers and the general public about the association between maternal smoking and cessation of lactation.

Risk factors for community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A cross-sectional study in 116,678 people.

Background The risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission are not well characterised. We sought to identify potential risk factors for transmission and actionable information that can be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2. Methods Individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 at four accredited laboratories were invited. In addition, participants were recruited through a media campaign. Self-reported SARS-CoV-2 test results were compared with laboratory results, demographic data and behavioural facts were collected using a digital platform. In a cross-sectional design positive cases were compared with negative and untested control groups. Findings Approximately 14 days after a countrywide lockdown in Norway, 116,678 participants were included. Median age was 46 years, 44% had children in preschool or in school; 18% were practicing health professionals. International flights, contact with infected individuals, and gatherings of more than 50 people, were associated with increased risk of testing positive. Health professionals who treated COVID-19 patients were at higher risk of testing positive than those who did not. Having undergone light infections, the last six months was strongly associated with lower odds ratio of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Contact with children, use of hand sanitiser and use of protective gloves in private were also associated with lower odds ratio of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Interpretation Further research is needed to explore if being a parent or looking after children is associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the next phases of the pandemic. Immunological research should be done to determine the effects of prior trivial infections on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We confirm that large gatherings during the pandemic should be avoided and those who are infected, or under suspicion thereof, posed very high risks to others in this population. Registration: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NTC 04320732, March 25, 2020.

Risk factors for community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A cross-sectional study in 116,678 people

BackgroundThe risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission are not well characterised in Western populations. We sought to identify potential risk factors for transmission and actionable information to prevent for SARS-CoV-2.MethodsIndividuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 at four major laboratories were invited. In addition, participants were sampled by convenience after a media campaign. Self-reported test results were compared with laboratory results, demographic data and behavioural facts were collected using a digital platform. In a cross-sectional design positive cases were compared with negative and untested control groups.FindingsApproximately 14 days after a countrywide lockdown in Norway, 116,678 participants were included. Median age was 46 years, 44% had children in preschool or in school; 18% were practicing health professionals. International flights, contact with infected, and gatherings of more than 50 people, were associated with high risk. Health professionals who used public transport were at higher risk of testing positive than those who did not. Having undergone light infections, the last six months was strongly associated with lower odds ratio of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Contact with children, use of hand sanitiser and use of protective gloves in private were also associated with lower odds ratio of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.InterpretationFurther research is needed to explore if being a parent or looking after children is associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the next phases of the pandemic. Immunological research should be done to determine the effects of prior trivial infections on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We confirm that large gatherings during the pandemic should be avoided and those who are infected, or under suspicion thereof, posed very high risks to others this population.

The Influence of Various Smoking Categories on The Risk of Gestational Hypertension and Pre-Eclampsia

The relationship between smoking and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is not clearly established. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of cigarette smoking in a Polish cohort of women, recruited in the first trimester of a single pregnancy in 2015–2016. We evaluated the women who subsequently developed PIH (n = 137) (gestational hypertension—GH (n = 113) and pre-eclampsia—PE (n = 24)), and the women who remained normotensive (n = 775). The diseases odds ratios (and 95% CI—confidence intervals) were calculated in a multivariate logistic regression. In the PIH cases (vs. normotensive women) we found more smokers (25.6% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.020) including smokers in the first trimester (14.6% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001). The average number of cigarettes smoked daily per smokers in the first trimester was 11.2 (range 2–30), and the average number of years of smoking was 11.6 (range 2–25). The number of years of smoking was a stronger risk factor for GH and PE than the number of cigarettes/day. Compared to the women who have never smoked, smoking ever before pregnancy was associated with a higher GH risk (AOR = 1.68; p = 0.043), and with no effect on PE risk (OR = 0.97; p = 0.950). Smokers in the first trimester had a higher odds ratio of GH (AOR = 4.75; p < 0.001) and PE (OR = 2.60; p = 0.136). Quitting smoking before pregnancy (ex-smokers) was associated with a lower odds ratio of GH (AOR = 0.83; p = 0.596) and PE (OR = 0.33; p = 0.288). However, quitting smoking during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of GH (AOR = 11.63; p < 0.0001) and PE (OR = 3.57; p = 0.238). After dissection of the cohort into pre-pregnancy body–mass index (BMI) categories, smoking in the first trimester was associated with the higher hypertension risk in underweight women (OR = 22.00, p = 0.024). Conclusions: The factors that increased the risk of GH and PE were smoking in the first trimester and (paradoxically and more strongly) smoking cessation during pregnancy. Our results suggest that women of childbearing potential should be encouraged to quit smoking before pregnancy.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Device-Measured Sedentary Behaviour are Associated with Sickness Absence in Office Workers

Physical activity reduces the risk of several noncommunicable diseases, and a number of studies have found self-reported physical activity to be associated with sickness absence. The aim of this study was to examine if cardiorespiratory fitness, device-measured physical activity, and sedentary behaviour were associated with sickness absence among office workers. Participants were recruited from two Swedish companies. Data on sickness absence (frequency and duration) and covariates were collected via questionnaires. Physical activity pattern was assessed using ActiGraph and activPAL, and fitness was estimated from submaximal cycle ergometry. The sample consisted of 159 office workers (67% women, aged 43 ± 8 years). Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with a lower odds ratio (OR) for both sickness absence duration (OR = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–0.96) and frequency (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.90–0.97). Sedentary time was positively associated with higher odds of sickness absence frequency (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.99–1.08). No associations were found for physical activity at any intensity level and sickness absence. Higher sickness absence was found among office workers with low cardiorespiratory fitness and more daily time spent sedentary. In contrast to reports using self-reported physical activity, device-measured physical activity was not associated with sickness absence.

Associations of Residential Greenness with Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Uyghur Adults

Greenness exposure is nominated as a potential beneficial factor for health, but evidence is limited on its diabetes effects. We conducted a cross-sectional study between May and September 2016 in rural areas of northwestern China, including 4670 Uyghur adults, to explore the associations between residential greenness and fasting glucose levels and diabetes prevalence. Fasting glucose levels were determined, and information on covariates was collected by questionnaire. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) were calculated to assess greenness levels. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to evaluate the associations of greenness with fasting glucose levels and diabetes prevalence. The prevalence of diabetes was 11.6%. We found that living in rural areas characterized by increased amounts of greenness was associated with reduced diabetes prevalence (e.g., NDVI1000m: OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86, 0.99). Stratified analyses showed that the protective effects of greenness on diabetes prevalence were found only in women (NDVI1000m: OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82, 0.99). However, none of the interaction was statistically significant. Our study suggests that greater residential greenness levels were associated with a lower odds ratio of diabetes prevalence in Xinjiang Uyghur adults. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Polymorphisms in the CIITA −168A/G (rs3087456) and CIITA +1614G/C (rs4774) may influence severity in multiple sclerosis patients

ABSTRACT It is currently unknown how genetic factors may influence the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We examined the impact of CIITA polymorphisms −168A/G (rs3087456) and +1614G/C (rs4774) on the risk of disability progression, severity and on responses to first-line immunomodulator treatments. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. We used ABI3730xl and GeneMapper v.4.0 software to identify genotype variations. All patients were followed up and clinically reassessed at three-month intervals. Disability progression was measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and disease severity by the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS). Results: We included 37 men and 80 women. We found no evidence regarding the influence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms studied in the Expanded Disability Status Scale or therapeutic response of the evaluated drugs. We performed a logistic regression analysis with the MSSS and found that a less severe MS course was associated with wild type CIITA −168AA and CIITA +1614GG, as the chance of the patient progressing to MSSS2 and MSSS3 decreased in 61% and 75% with CIITA −168AA and 66% and 75% with CIITA +1614GG, respectively (p < 0.0001). Although less significant, the CIITA +1614 GC also pointed to a less severe MS course and the chance of the patient progressing to MSSS3 decreased 79% (p = 0.015). We also observed that the CIITA −168GG genotype was more frequent in MSSS2 and MSSS3 and had 40% lower odds ratio to becoming more severe MS. Conclusion: These data suggest that CIITA −168AA, CIITA +1614GG and CIITA +1614 GC polymorphisms may be associated with a better MS clinical course. This knowledge may be useful for a better understanding of MS and its therapeutic management.

Blood cardioplegia benefits only patients with a long cross-clamp time

Introduction: A clear advantage of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia has not yet been observed in smaller population studies. The purpose of this article was to further investigate the clinical outcomes of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia in a large propensity-matched cohort of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Methods: The study was a single-centre study. Data was withdrawn from the Western Denmark Heart Registry, which comprises a perfusion section for each procedure. A total of 4,852 patients were propensity matched into crystalloid (CC) vs blood cardioplegia (BC) groups. The primary end points were creatinine kinase-MB (CKMB) elevation, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, dialysis, coronary angiography (CAG) and mortality (30 days and 6 months). Results: We found lower odds ratio in 30-day mortality in the BC group (OR 0.21; CI 0.06-0.68), but no difference in overall 6-month mortality. There was no difference in CKMB elevation, AMI, dialysis or stroke. Several end points were further analysed for different cross-clamp times. In the CC group, ventilation time above 600 minutes was seen more often in almost all cross-clamp time intervals (23.5 % vs 12.2 %; p<0.0001; χ2-test) and 6-month mortality was significantly higher when the cross-clamp time exceeded 210 minutes (64.3 vs 23.8; p=0.018; χ2-test). Conclusions: We did not find clear evidence of superiority of either type in the uncomplicated patient. When prolonged cross-clamp time or postoperative ventilation is expected, this study indicates that blood cardioplegia might be preferable.

Prevalência de atividade física de deslocamento e fatores associados em idosos longevos

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n5p520 The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of commuting physical activity and associate sociodemographic, behavioral and health characteristics in longlived older adults of Florianópolis/SC. This cross-sectional epidemiologic study included 343 individuals aged 80 and older; these individuals are members of community groups registered in the municipality of Florianópolis/SC. Sociodemographic information and health and behavior data were collected. To assess physical activity, the “commuting” domain of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used, adapted for older adults. Data were analyzed using Stata 11.0 with Logistic regression expressed in odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. The prevalence of commuting physical activity was 19.5%. The oldest members of the group (p= 0.011; OR= 0.90; 95%CI= 0.83/0.98), with worse health perception (p< 0.001; OR= 0.33, 95%CI= 0.18/0.60) and with hypertension diagnosis (p= 0.009; OR=0.47; 95%CI= 0.27/0.83) had lower odds ratio of commuting physical activity. Knowledge about sociodemographic, behavioral and health characteristics associated with commuting physical activity can serve as a basis for the development of programs and actions to encourage commuting physical activity among long-lived older adults.