Developing a gender measure and examining its association with cardiovascular diseases incidence: a 28-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Examining gender (socio-cultural) in addition to sex (biological) is required to untangle socio-cultural characteristics contributing to inequities within or between sexes. This study aimed to develop a gender measure including four gender dimensions and examine the association between this gender measure and CVD incidence, across sexes. METHODS: A cohort of 9188 white-collar workers (49.9% females) in the Quebec region was recruited in 1991-1993 and follow-up was carried out 28 years later for CVD incidence. Data collection involved a self-administered questionnaire and extraction of medical-administrative CVD incident cases. Cox proportional models allowed calculations of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by sex. RESULTS: Sex and gender were partly independent, as discordances were observed in the distribution of the gender score across sexes. Among males, being in the third tertile of the gender score (indicating a higher level of characteristics traditionally ascribed to women) was associated with a 50% CVD risk increase compared to those in the first tertile (HR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.82). This association persisted after adjustment for several CVD risk factors (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.73). Conversely, no statistically significant association between the third tertile of the gender score and CVD incidence was observed in females (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.60-1.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that males within the third tertile of the gender score were more likely to develop CVD, while females with those characteristics did not exhibit an increased risk. These findings underline the necessity for clinical and population health research to integrate both sex and gender measures, to further evaluate disparities in cardiovascular health and enhance the inclusivity of prevention strategies.

Perfluoroalkyl acid and bisphenol-A exposure via food sources in four First Nation communities in Quebec, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To document perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure in four First Nation communities in northern Quebec compared with the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS Cycle 5 2016-2017) and examine the associations between dietary consumption and chemical exposure. DESIGN: We used cross-sectional data from the JES-YEH! project conducted in collaboration with four First Nation communities in 2015. A FFQ collected information on diet, and PFAA and BPA were measured in biological samples. We used generalised linear models to test the associations between food intake and chemical biomarkers. SETTING: Northern Quebec. PARTICIPANTS: Youth aged 3-19 years (n 198). RESULTS: Mean perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) levels were significantly higher in JES-YEH! than CHMS, and BPA levels were higher among those aged 12-19 years compared with CHMS. Dairy products were associated with PFNA among Anishinabe and Innu participants (geometric mean ratio 95 % CI: 1·53 (95 % CI 1·03, 2·29) and 1·52 (95 % CI 1·05, 2·20), respectively). PFNA was also associated with ultra-processed foods (1·57 (95 % CI 1·07, 2·31)) among Anishinabe, and with wild fish and berries (1·44 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·94); 1·75 (95 % CI 1·30, 2·36)) among Innu. BPA was associated with cheese (1·72 (95 % CI 1·19, 2·50)) and milk (1·53 (95 % CI 1·02, 2·29)) among Anishinabe, and with desserts (1·71 (95 % CI 1·07, 2·74)), processed meats (1·55 (95 % CI 1·00, 2·38)), wild fish (1·64 (95 % CI 1·07, 2·49)) and wild berries (2·06 (95 % CI 1·37, 3·10)) among Innu. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of better documenting food-processing and packaging methods, particularly for dairy products, and their contribution to endocrine disruptors exposures as well as to promote minimally processed and unpackaged foods to provide healthier food environments for youth in Indigenous communities and beyond.

Exposure to benzene, toluene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Nunavimmiut aged 16 years and over (Nunavik, Canada) - Qanuilirpitaa 2017 survey.

There are numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that Inuit may be exposed to from combustion, cooking, heating, vehicle exhaust, active and passive smoking and other local sources of contaminants such as oil spills or open-air burning in landfills. To better assess the levels of exposure to these non-persistent chemicals, we measured a suite of benzene, toluene (two VOCs) and PAHs metabolites in pooled urine samples from youth and adults aged 16 years old and over who participated in the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Inuit Health Survey (Q2017), a population health survey conducted in Nunavik. A cost-effective pooling strategy was established and 30 different pools from individual urine samples (n = 1266) were created by grouping individual urine samples by sex, age groups and regions. To assess smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, cotinine levels were measured in individual urine samples. We found that benzene, toluene, all detected PAHs metabolites and cotinine levels were significantly higher in Q2017 compared to adults in the Canadian Health Measure Survey Cycle 4 (2014-2015) or the general U.S population (2015-2016). Moreover, mean levels of one benzene metabolite, S-phenylmercapturic acid, and several PAHs metabolites, 1-naphthol, 2-and 3-hydroxyfluorene, and 4- and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, known to be associated with smoking habits, were higher in Q2017 compared to reference values (RV95) established for non-smokers in the general Canadian population. Furthermore, benzene and PAHs metabolites were all correlated with cotinine levels. Our results suggest that the high smoking prevalence in Nunavik is an important contributor to the elevated benzene and PAHs exposure. Other local sources may add to that exposure, although we were not able to account for their contribution. These data highlight the importance of regional and community efforts for reducing smoking and to encourage smoke-free homes in Nunavik, while continuing to investigate and reduce other possible local sources of exposure to benzene, toluene and PAHs.

Validity of participants' self-reported diagnosis for a work absence due to a mental health problem compared with physician-certified diagnosis for the same work absence among 709 Canadian workers.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the validity of a self-reported mental health problem (MHP) diagnosis as the reason for a work absence of 5 days or more compared with a physician-certified MHP diagnosis related to the same work absence. The potential modifying effect of absence duration on validity is also examined. METHODS: A total of 709 participants (1031 sickness absence episodes) were selected and interviewed. Total per cent agreement, Cohen's kappa, sensitivity and specificity values were calculated using the physician-certified MHP diagnosis related to a given work absence as the reference standard. Stratified analyses of total agreement, sensitivity and specificity values were also examined by duration of work absence (5-20 workdays,>20 workdays). RESULTS: Total agreement value for self-reported MHP was 90%. Cohen's kappa value was substantial (0.74). Sensitivity was 77% and specificity was 95%. Absences of more than 20 workdays had a better sensitivity than absences of shorter duration. A high specificity was observed for both short and longer absence episodes. CONCLUSION: This study showed high specificity and good sensitivity of self-reported MHP diagnosis compared with physician-certified MHP diagnosis for the same work absence. Absences of longer durations had a better sensitivity.

Differences between women and men in the relationship between psychosocial stressors at work and work absence due to mental health problem.

OBJECTIVES: Women have a higher incidence of mental health problems compared with men. Psychosocial stressors at work are associated with mental health problems. However, few prospective studies have examined the association between these stressors and objectively measured outcomes of mental health. Moreover, evidence regarding potential differences between women and men in this association is scarce and inconsistent. This study investigates whether psychosocial stressors at work are associated with the 7.5-year incidence of medically certified work absence due to a mental health problem, separately for women and men. METHODS: Data from a prospective cohort of white-collar workers in Canada (n=7138; 47.3% women) were used. We performed Cox regression models to examine the prospective association between self-reported psychosocial stressors at work (job strain model) at baseline and the 7.5-year HR of medically certified work absence of ≥5 days due to a mental health problem. RESULTS: During follow-up, 11.9% of participants had a certified work absence, with a twofold higher incidence among women. Women (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.93) and men (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.05) exposed to high strain (high demands and low control) had a higher incidence of work absence compared with those unexposed. Among women only, those exposed to an active job situation (high demands and high control) also had a higher risk (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.56). CONCLUSIONS: Prevention efforts aimed at reducing psychosocial stressors at work could help lower the risk of work absence for both women and men. However, important differences between women and men need to be further studied in order to orient these efforts.

Sex Work as an Emerging Risk Factor for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconversion Among People who Inject Drugs in the SurvUDI Network.

BACKGROUND: Recent analyses have shown an emerging positive association between sex work and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in the SurvUDI network. METHODS: Participants who had injected in the past 6 months were recruited across the Province of Quebec and in the city of Ottawa, mainly in harm reduction programs. They completed a questionnaire and provided gingival exudate for HIV antibody testing. The associations with HIV seroconversion were tested with a Cox proportional hazard model using time-dependent covariables including the main variable of interest, sexual activity (sex work; no sex work; sexually inactive). The final model included significant variables and confounders of the associations with sexual activity. RESULTS: Seventy-two HIV seroconversions were observed during 5239.2 person-years (py) of follow-up (incidence rates: total = 1.4/100 py; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.7; sex work = 2.5/100 py; 95% CI, 1.5-3.6; no sex work = 0.8/100 py; 95% CI, 0.5-1.2; sexually inactive = 1.8/100 py; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5). In the final multivariate model, HIV incidence was significantly associated with sexual activity (sex work: adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.19; 95% CI, 1.13-4.25; sexually inactive: AHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.92-2.88), and injection with a needle/syringe used by someone else (AHR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.73-4.66). CONCLUSIONS: Sex work is independently associated with HIV incidence among PWIDs. At the other end of the spectrum of sexual activity, sexually inactive PWIDs have a higher HIV incidence rate, likely due to more profound dependence leading to increased vulnerabilities, which may include mental illness, poverty, and social exclusion. Further studies are needed to understand whether the association between sex work and HIV is related to sexual transmission or other vulnerability factors.

HIV and HCV seroincidence, associated factors and drug use in people who inject drugs, SurvUDI network, eastern central Canada, 1995-2020.

BACKGROUND: The SurvUDI network is a biobehavioural survey among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Eastern Central Canada. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to describe HIV and HCV seroincidence trends, associated factors and changes in drug use behaviours. METHODS: The network was initiated in 1995 and targets hard-to-reach, mostly out-of- treatment PWID. Participants were recruited mostly in harm reduction programs, completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire, provided a sample of gingival exudate for HIV and HCV antibody testing and were identified using an encrypted code allowing identification of multiple participations. Time trends were examined for HIV and HCV seroincidence, selected characteristics and behaviours. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine factors associated to HIV and HCV seroincidence. RESULTS: Between January 1995 and March 2020, 15,907 individuals have completed 31,051 questionnaires. HIV seroincidence decreased significantly from 5.0 per 100 person-years (p-y) in 1995 to 0.4 per 100 p-y in 2018. HCV seroincidence also decreased significantly between 1998 and 2011. The use of syringes already used by someone else decreased significantly, from 43.4 % in 1995 to 12.4 % in 2019, as well as the use of equipment other than syringe already used by someone else. Cocaine/crack injection decreased significantly while "opioids other than heroin" injection increased, concomitant to daily injection. Injection with syringes already used by someone else and cocaine as the most often injected drug were significantly associated with HIV seroincidence (1995-2020). Injected opioid other than heroin, injected cocaine/crack, injected 100 or more times in the past month, injected for less than 3 years, injected with syringes or equipment already used by someone else, injected with someone else and reported client sex partners were significantly associated with HCV seroincidence (2004-2020). CONCLUSION: HIV seroincidence and syringe/equipment sharing behaviour trends are encouraging, but HCV seroincidence remains high.

Exposure to organophosphate esters among Inuit adults of Nunavik, Canada.

Halogenated organophosphate esters (OPEs) are increasingly used as flame retardants to replace polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which have been phased out due to their confirmed persistence, toxicity, and ability to undergo long range atmospheric transport. Non-halogenated OPEs are primarily used as plasticizers. While human exposure to PBDEs in the Canadian Arctic is well documented, it is not the case for OPEs. To assess the exposure to OPEs in Inuit living in Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada), we measured 16 metabolites of halogenated and non-halogenated OPEs in pooled urine samples from the last population health survey conducted in Nunavik, the Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Inuit Health Survey (Q2017). Urine samples (n = 1266) were pooled into 30 pools by sex (female; male), age groups (16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-59; 60+ years old) and regions (Hudson Bay; Hudson Strait; Ungava Bay). Q2017 geometric means and 95 % confidence intervals were compared with data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 6 (2018-2019) (CHMS). Halogenated OPEs were systematically detected and generally found at higher concentrations than non-halogenated OPEs in both Q2017 and CHMS. Furthermore, urinary levels of BCIPP and BDCIPP (halogenated) were lower in Q2017 compared to CHMS while concentrations of DPhP, DpCP and DoCP (non-halogenated) were similar between Q2017 and CHMS. Across the 16 metabolites measured in Q2017, BCIPHIPP (halogenated) had the highest levels (geometric mean: 1.40 µg/g creatinine). This metabolite was not measured in CHMS and should be included in future surveys. Overall, our results show that Inuit in Nunavik are exposed to lower or similar OPEs levels than the rest of the general Canadian population suggesting that the main current exposure to OPEs may be from consumer goods containing flame retardants and imported from the south rather than long-range atmospheric transport to the Arctic.

Cardiovascular diseases in Quebec health administrative databases: missing diagnoses and underestimation of the number of cases in a 28-year prospective cohort. / Maladies cardiovasculaires dans les fichiers médico-administratifs québécois : diagnostics manquants et sous-estimation du nombre de cas dans une cohorte prospective de 28 ans.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) surveillance in Quebec and the rest of Canada is carried out using health administrative databases, which in Quebec includes the physician claims database. The presence of billing claims without diagnoses can lead to the number of CVD cases being underestimated. The purpose of this study is to estimate the proportion of CVD diagnoses and CVD cases that may be missing from these databases. METHODS: The study was conducted using a prospective cohort of 8781 participants living in the Québec City area. Access to health administrative databases was granted for the entire 28-year follow-up period. First, we performed frequency analyses to estimate the proportion of missing CVD diagnoses. Then we used validated algorithms to identify CVD cases and estimate the proportion of CVD cases that were potentially not captured over the 28-year period. RESULTS: About one-fifth (22.1%) of the diagnoses in the physician claims database were missing. The proportion of missing CVD cases was estimated at 12.7% for 1991-2018, although this varied with the period covered (1991-1996: 15.5%; 1997-2013: 10.7%; and 2014-2018: 16.3%). CONCLUSION: Approximatively 1 in 10 CVD cases are not identified due to a missing diagnosis. This underestimation of CVD cases is a potential limitation that should be considered when using Quebec health administrative databases to identify CVD cases for surveillance work and epidemiological studies.

Canadians Adults Fail Their Dietary Quality Examination Twice.

For many years, dietary quality among Canadians has been assessed using an index that gives criticized scores and does not allow for comparison with Americans. In Canadians aged ≥19 years, we aimed to (1) determine the dietary quality by using a more widely used evidence-based index that has shown associations with health outcomes, the alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI-2010); (2) assess changes in aHEI-2010 score and its components between 2004 and 2015; and (3) identify factors associated with aHEI-2010 score. We relied on the Canadian Community Health Survey 2004 (n = 35,107) and 2015 (n = 20,487). We used adjusted linear models with a time effect to compare the total aHEI-2010 score and its components. The overall aHEI-2010 score increased from 36.5 (95%CI: 36.2-36.8) in 2004 to 39.0 (95%CI: 38.5-39.4) in 2015 (p < 0.0001). Participants with less than a high school diploma showed the lowest score and no improvement from 2004 to 2015 (34.8 vs. 35.3, p = 0.4864). In each period, higher scores were noted among immigrants than non-immigrants (38.3 vs. 35.9 in 2004, p < 0.0001; 40.5 vs. 38.5 in 2015 p < 0.0001), and lower scores were observed in current smokers (33.4 vs. 37.1 in 2004, p < 0.0001; 34.5 vs. 39.9 in 2015, p < 0.0001). The use of the aHEI-2010 tool suggests a lower score among Canadians than the previous index, more comparable to the score among Americans.

Effort-reward imbalance at work and psychological distress: a validation study of post-myocardial infarction patients.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the psychometric properties of the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) at work scales could be replicated with post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) patients and to measure the criterion validity through its association with psychological distress. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 814 patients (739 men and 75 women) who had returned to work after their first MI and who were followed up by telephone at an average of 2.2 years after their baseline interview (1998-2000). The psychological demands scale of the Karasek Job Content Questionnaire was used to measure effort. Reward was measured with nine items from the original reward scale by Siegrist plus two proxy items. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test the theoretical structure of ERI. Using log-binomial regression models, we evaluated the association between ERI scales and psychological distress measured with the 14-item Psychiatric Symptom Index. RESULTS: ERI scales and subscales demonstrated adequate internal consistencies. Exploratory factor analysis using oblique (promax) rotation yielded a three-factor solution with items representative of extrinsic effort (Factor 1) and reward subscales (Factors 2 and 3). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit with the data. The internal consistencies and discriminant validities of the ERI scales were satisfactory. Furthermore, effort, reward, and ERI ratio were significantly associated with psychological distress (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-2.31; PR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.16-2.29; and PR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.17-2.47, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the ERI scales were generally reproduced among post-MI patients. The associations with psychological distress supported the criterion validity of the ERI scales in this population.

The impact of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia on health-related quality of life: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination against herpes zoster is being considered in many countries. We conducted a multicentre prospective study to describe the impact of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia on health-related quality of life. METHODS: From October 2005 to July 2006, 261 outpatients aged 50 years or older with herpes zoster were recruited from the clinical practices of 83 physicians within 14 days after rash onset. The Zoster Brief Pain Inventory was used to measure severity of pain and interference with activities of daily living because of pain. The EuroQol EQ-5D assessment tool was used to measure quality of life. These outcomes were assessed at recruitment and on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 following recruitment. RESULTS: Acute herpes zoster interfered in all health domains, especially sleep (64% of participants), enjoyment of life (58%) and general activities (53%). The median duration of pain was 32.5 days. The median duration of interference with activities of daily living because of pain varied between 27 and 30 days. Overall, 24% of the participants had postherpetic neuralgia (pain for more than 90 days after rash onset). Anxiety and depression, enjoyment of life, mood and sleep were most frequently affected during the postherpetic neuralgia period. The mean EQ-5D score was 0.59 at enrolment and remained at 0.67 at all follow-up points among participants who reported clinically significant pain. INTERPRETATION: These data support the need for preventive strategies and additional early intervention to reduce the burden of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

Perfluoroalkyl acids in pregnant women from Nunavik (Quebec, Canada): Trends in exposure and associations with country foods consumption.

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants that potentially disrupt endocrine system functions. While some PFAAs (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) are regulated, currently used fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) can be transported to the Arctic and are degraded in a number of PFAAs which biomagnify in Arctic wildlife (e.g. perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA)). OBJECTIVES: From 2004 to 2017, 279 pregnant Inuit women were recruited as part of biomonitoring projects in Nunavik. Our goal was to evaluate: (i) time-trends in plasma/serum PFAAs levels in pregnant Nunavimmiut women between 2004 and 2017; (ii) compare plasma/serum PFAAs levels in Nunavimmiut women in 2016-2017 to those measured in women of childbearing age in the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS); and (iii) evaluate the associations of PFAAs levels with the consumption of country foods and pregnancy and maternal characteristics during pregnancy in the 97 participants recruited in 2016-2017. METHODS: Individual blood sample were collected for serum or plasma PFAAs (PFOS, PFOA, pentafluorobenzoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid (PFHxS), PFNA, PFDA, PFUdA) analyses. Socio-demographic data, pregnancy and maternal characteristics and country foods consumption were documented using a questionnaire. Omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were measured in red blood cell membranes and their ratio used as a biomarker of marine country foods consumption. Time-trends in PFAAs levels were evaluated using ANCOVA models adjusted for relevant co-variables. Serum/plasma levels of PFAAs in the 97 pregnant women aged 16 to 40 years old and recruited in 2016-2017 were compared to those measured in women aged 18 to 40 years old from the CHMS cycle 5 (2016-2017) using the geometric means (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine associations between concentrations of PFAAs and country foods consumption data. RESULTS: Statistically-significant downward time trends were noted for concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS in pregnant Nunavik women between 2004 and 2017. Conversely, between 2011 and 2016-2017, PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA maternal serum levels increased by 19, 13 and 21% respectively. Among participants in 2016-2017, mean concentrations for PFNA (GM: 2.4 µg/L), PFDA (0.53 µg/L) and PFUdA (0.61 µg/L) were higher than those measured in women aged 18-40 years old in the Cycle 5 (2016-2017) of the CHMS. PFOA (0.53 µg/L) and PFHxS (0.26 µg/L) were lower than in CHMS, whereas PFBA, PFHxA and PFBS were not detected in 2016-2017. Ratios of serum/plasma levels of PFNA/PFOA, PFNA/PFOS, PFNA/PFHxS and PFUdA/PFDA were significantly higher in the 97 pregnant women from Nunavik recruited in 2016-2017 compared to CHMS, highlighting their distinct exposure profile. In multivariate models, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA levels in 2016-2017 were strongly associated with the omega-3/omega-6 PUFA ratio, indicating a positive association between marine country foods consumption and higher exposure to PFAAs. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure of pregnant women to long-chain PFAAs (PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA) increased from 2004 to 2017 in Nunavik. Associations noted between PFAAs levels and the omega-3/omega-6 ratio highlights the importance of implementing additional strict regulations on PFAAs and their precursors to protect the high nutritional quality and cultural importance of country foods in Nunavik.

Impact of sex work on risk behaviours and their association with HIV positivity among people who inject drugs in Eastern Central Canada: cross-sectional results from an open cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the correlates of HIV positivity among participants who injected drugs and engaged in sex work (PWID-SWs) in the SurvUDI network between 2004 and 2016, after stratification by sex, and (2) to compare these correlates with those of sexually active participants who did not engage in sex work (PWID non-SWs). DESIGN AND SETTING: This biobehavioural survey is an open cohort of services where participants who had injected in the past 6 months were recruited mainly through harm reduction programmes in Eastern Central Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 5476 participants (9223 visits in total; 785 not included in multivariate analyses due to missing values) were included. METHODS: Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and provided saliva samples for anti-HIV antibody testing. Generalised estimating equations taking into account multiple participations were used. RESULTS: Baseline HIV prevalence was higher among SWs compared with non-SWs (women: 13.0% vs 7.7%; P<0.001, and men: 17.4% vs 10.8%; P<0.001). PWID-SWs were particularly susceptible to HIV infection as a result of higher levels of vulnerability factors and injection risk behaviours. They also presented different risk-taking patterns than their non-SWs counterparts, as shown by differences in correlates of HIV positivity. Additionally, the importance of sex work for HIV infection varies according to gender, as suggested by a large proportion of injection risk behaviours associated with HIV among women and, conversely, a stronger association between sexual behaviours and HIV positivity observed among men. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that sex work has an impact on the risk of HIV acquisition and that risk behaviours vary according to gender. Public health practitioners should take those specificities into account when designing HIV prevention interventions aimed at PWIDs.

Drug use practices among people who inject drugs in a context of drug market changes: Challenges for optimal coverage of harm reduction programs.

BACKGROUND: Until the early 2000s, people who inject drugs (PWID) in Québec had mainly been injecting powder cocaine and heroin. Since then, ethnographic studies have shown that the drug market has diversified, with crack and prescription opioids (PO) becoming increasingly available. This could have led to changes in drug use practices among PWID. The objectives of our study were to examine annual trends in injection of different drugs, crack smoking and frequent injection (FI), as well as relationships between injected drugs and FI. METHODS: PWID are participants in the ongoing Québec SurvUDI surveillance system. PWID (past 6 months) were recruited in 2 urban and 6 semi-urban/rural sites. Each visit included a structured interview addressing drug use behaviours. Analyses were carried out using GEE methods. For trend analyses (2003-2014) on drugs and FI (number of injections≥upper quartile, previous month), the first annual interview was selected for PWID with multiple participations per year. Analyses on associations between FI and types of injected drugs were based on all interviews (2004-2014). RESULTS: Crack/cocaine and heroin injection declined significantly, with prevalence ratios (PR) per year of 0.983 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.980-0.986] and 0.979 (95% CI: 0.969-0.990), while PO injection [PR=1.052 (1.045-1.059)], crack smoking [PR=1.006 (1.001-1.012)], and FI (≥120 injections, previous month) significantly increased [PR=1.015 (1.004-1.026)]. Compared to PWID who injected crack/cocaine±other drugs, the proportion of PWID reporting FI was higher among those who injected PO+heroin/speedball, crack/cocaine or other drugs (adjusted PR 2.29; 95% CI: 2.07-2.53) or PO only (aPR 1.72; 95%CI: 1.47-2.01). CONCLUSIONS: Changes that have occurred in the drug market are reflected in PWID's practices. The high frequency of injection observed among PO injectors is of particular concern. Drug market variations are a challenge for health authorities responsible for harm reduction programs.

The influence of MMP-14, TIMP-2 and MMP-2 expression on breast cancer prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is very active at degrading extracellular matrix. It is under the influence of an activator, membrane type 1 MMP (MMP-14), and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-2. We hypothesized that the individual expression of these three markers or their balance may help to predict breast cancer prognosis. METHODS: MMP-2, MMP-14 and TIMP-2 expression has been evaluated by 35S mRNA in situ hybridization on paraffin material of 539 breast cancers without distant metastasis at diagnosis and with a median follow-up of 9.2 years. RESULTS: MMP-2 and MMP-14 mRNA was detected primarily in reactive stromal cells whereas TIMP-2 mRNA was expressed by both stromal and cancer cells. Of the three molecules, an adjusted Cox model revealed that high MMP-14 mRNA (> or = 10% cells) alone predicted a significantly shorter overall survival (p = 0.031) when adjusted for clinical factors (tumor size and number of involved lymph nodes). Prognostic significance was lost when further adjusted for Her-2/neu and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (p = 0.284). Furthermore, when all three components were analyzed together, the survival was worst for patients with high MMP-2/high MMP-14/low TIMP-2 (5 year survival = 60%) and best with low MMP-2/low MMP-14/high TIMP-2 (5 year survival = 74%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.3285). CONCLUSION: Of the MMP-14/TIMP-2/MMP-2 complex, MMP-14 was the factor most significantly associated with the outcome of breast cancer and was an independent factor of poor overall survival when adjusted for clinical prognostic factors, but not for certain ancillary markers.

Effects of job strain on blood pressure: a prospective study of male and female white-collar workers.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated whether cumulative exposure to job strain increases blood pressure. METHODS: A prospective study of 8395 white-collar workers was initiated during 1991 to 1993. At follow-up, 7.5 years later, 84% of the participants were reassessed to estimate cumulative exposure to job strain. RESULTS: Compared with men who had never been exposed, men with cumulative exposure and those who became exposed during follow-up showed significant systolic blood pressure increments of 1.8 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.1, 3.5) and 1.5 mm Hg (95% CI=0.2, 2.8), respectively, and relative risks of blood pressure increases in the highest quintile group of 1.33 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.76) and 1.40 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.73). Effect magnitudes were smaller among women. Effects tended to be more pronounced among men and women with low levels of social support at work. CONCLUSIONS: Among these white-collar workers, exposure to cumulative job strain had a modest but significant effect on systolic blood pressure among men. The risk was of comparable magnitude to that observed for age and sedentary behavior. Men and women with low levels of social support at work appeared to be at higher risk for increases in blood pressure.

Prospective randomized trial: outcomes of SF6 versus C3F8 in macular hole surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare macular hole (MH) closure and visual acuity improvement after vitrectomy using SF6 versus C3F8 gas tamponade. The secondary purposes were to report the cumulative incidence of cataract development at 1 year after MH surgery and the proportion of complications. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one patients were prospectively randomized to the SF6 group and 28 patients to the C3F8 group. METHODS: Preoperative data included MH minimum diameter, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cataract staging, and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Postoperative data included optical coherence tomography confirmation of the closure at 6 weeks and 1 year, and ETDRS BCVA and cataract development/extraction, both 1 year after the MH surgery. RESULTS: Primary MH closure was achieved in 93.3% in the SF6 group and 92.9% in the C3F8 group. Mean ETDRS BCVA improved by 17.7 letters in the SF6 and 16.9 letters in the C3F8 group. The difference in cumulative incidence of cataract development and extraction between both groups was not statistically significant. Regardless of the dye used, similar results were achieved. Finally, the proportion of adverse events was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: MH surgery with SF6 gas achieves results similar to C3F8 in terms of visual acuity improvement, MH closure, cataract development/extraction, and adverse events.

Prevalence and temporal trends of crack injection among injection drug users in eastern central Canada.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about crack injection and its temporal trends in North America. This article describes the extent of crack injection and examines temporal trends among injection drug users (IDUs) recruited from 2003 to 2010 in the SurvUDI network. METHODS: IDUs who injected recently (past 6 months) were recruited in harm reduction and health programs in eastern central Canada. Trend analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations. Some IDUs participated multiple times; first interview was retained for the descriptive analyses, while first interview per year was retained for the trend analyses. RESULTS: Of the 4088 IDUs recruited, 15.2% (621) reported crack injection; large variations across sites were noted (range: 0.3-39.5%). Trend analyses were limited to Ottawa (449 crack injectors) and Montréal (121). For Ottawa, a significant decline was observed, from 48.3% to 36.9%, with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 0.97 per year (95% CI: 0.94-0.99). For Montréal, a significant rise was observed, from 6.0% to 18.4%, with a PR of 1.29 per year (95% CI: 1.19-1.40). CONCLUSIONS: Strong variations in crack injection exist throughout the SurvUDI network, and reversed temporal trends have been observed in Ottawa and Montréal. These data will be useful to local harm reduction programs to evaluate the need to distribute items required by crack injectors and to develop prevention messages.

Sociodemographic inequalities in sexual activity and cervical cancer screening: implications for the success of human papillomavirus vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Papanicolaou smear screening has significantly reduced cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. However, inequalities still persist across different socioeconomic status (SES) groups. These inequalities have been associated with differential participation in screening. However, even with equal participation to screening, some women may still have greater risk of cervical cancer because of sexual behavior. We aim to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of women who reported greater sexual activity and/or screening underuse. METHODS: We used data from (i) the Canadian Community Health Survey-2005, a population-based survey of 130,000 Canadians, and (ii) a multicenter study including 952 women screened for cervical cancer. RESULTS: Aboriginals and women with lower SES reported greater sexual activity and lower screening participation, which may produce synergetic effects toward higher cervical cancer risk. Women who did not complete high school and aboriginals were, respectively, 3.6 and 2.5 times more likely to report sexual debut before 15 years old compared with women with university degree and Caucasians. Women who did not complete high school were 2.2 times more likely to have never been screened compared with women with university degree. East and South Asian women were, respectively, 4.3 and 3.1 times more likely to have never been screened than Canadian-born women but reported lower levels of sexual activity and were adherent to screening guidelines when screened at least once. CONCLUSIONS: The success of human papillomavirus vaccination at reducing cervical cancer and inequalities will depend on achieving high coverage among high-risk subpopulations. IMPACT: These groups must be monitored closely, and if need be, targeted for additional interventions.