Preventive health examinations: protocol for a prospective cross-sectional study of German employees aged 45 to 59 years (Ü45-check).

Objective: Early identification of health-related risk factors is of great importance for maintaining workability. Screening examinations can help to detect diseases at an early stage and provide more needs-based recommendations. This study aims (1) to assess the individual need for prevention or rehabilitation based on preventive health examinations compared to a questionnaire survey, (2) to assess the results of the preventive health examinations compared to the Risk Index - Disability Pension (RI-DP), (3) to assess the results of the questionnaire survey compared to the RI-DP, (4) to assess the general health status of the sample (target population > 1,000) in German employees aged 45-59, (5) to identify the most common medical conditions. A further study question aims, and (6) to investigate the general health status of the specific occupational groups. Methods: Comprehensive diagnostics including medical examination, anamnesis, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), handgrip strength, resting electrocardiogram (ECG), resting blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and laboratory blood analyses added by a questionnaire are conducted. The research questions are analyzed in an exploratory manner. Results and conclusion: We expect that the results will allow us to formulate recommendations regarding screening for prevention and rehabilitation needs on a more evidence-based level.Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS ID: DRKS00030982.

Metodología para la formación de la competencia prevención de la salud en estudiantes de medicina / A Methodology for the Formation of Health Prevention Competences among Medical Students

Introducción: Hoy día se requiere formar a estudiantes de la carrera de medicina que sean competentes en el cumplimiento de sus funciones en los niveles de atención en salud. Como parte de las funciones que se deben desarrollar en el estudiante de medicina, se deben formar competencias para la prevención de la salud. Objetivo: Proponer una metodología para la formación de la competencia prevención de la salud en estudiantes de medicina durante el trabajo comunitario integral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de tipo preexperimental. La población estuvo conformada por 669 estudiantes de tercer año de medicina de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. De ellos se obtuvo una muestra de 100 estudiantes mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se emplearon la observación directa en el terreno y la Prueba de Rangos con Signos de Wilcoxon para constar la hipótesis de investigación. Resultados: Se aportó la competencia de prevención de la salud y la metodología para su formación en estudiantes de medicina durante el trabajo comunitario integral, así como los principales logros y deficiencias demostrados durante las acciones realizadas en la educación en el trabajo. Conclusiones: La competencia prevención de la salud forma parte del perfil de competencias laborales que singularizan a la formación de un médico general competente. Es de tipo genérica y requiere para su formación de la combinación de acciones instructivas, educativas y desarrolladoras desde las potencialidades del trabajo comunitario integral que realizan los estudiantes como parte del componente laboral de la carrera(AU)

Introduction: Nowadays, it is necessary to train medical students to be competent in the fulfillment of their functions at the healthcare levels. As part of the functions to be developed among medical students, health prevention competences should be developed. Objective: To propose a methodology for the formation of health prevention competences among medical students during comprehensive community work. Methods: A quantitative preexperimental study was carried out. The population consisted of 669 third-year medical students from Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín. A sample of 100 students was obtained by simple random sampling. Direct observation in the field and the Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test were used to verify the research hypothesis. Results: The health prevention competence and the methodology for its formation among medical students during comprehensive community work were provided, as well as were the main achievements and deficiencies shown during the actions carried out in education at work. Conclusions: The health prevention competence is part of the profile of occupational competences that singularize the training of a competent general practitioner. It is generic and requires. for its formation. the combination of instructive, educational and developmental actions from the potentialities of comprehensive community work performed by students as part of the occupational component of the major(AU)

Community Guide Methods for Systematic Reviews of Economic Evidence.

INTRODUCTION: Community Guide systematic economic reviews provide information on the cost, economic benefit, cost-benefit, and cost-effectiveness of public health interventions recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force on the basis of evidence of effectiveness. The number and variety of economic evaluation studies in public health have grown substantially over time, contributing to methodologic challenges that required updates to the methods for Community Guide systematic economic reviews. This paper describes these updated methods. METHODS: The 9-step Community Guide economic review process includes prioritization of topic, creation of a coordination team, conceptualization of review, literature search, screening studies for inclusion, abstraction of studies, analysis of results, translation of evidence to Community Preventive Services Task Force economic findings, and dissemination of findings and evidence gaps. The methods applied in each of these steps are reported in this paper. RESULTS: Two published Community Guide reviews, tailored pharmacy-based interventions to improve adherence to medications for cardiovascular disease and permanent supportive housing with housing first to prevent homelessness, are used to illustrate the application of the updated methods. The Community Preventive Services Task Force reached a finding of cost-effectiveness for the first intervention and a finding of favorable cost-benefit for the second on the basis of results from the economic reviews. CONCLUSIONS: The updated Community Guide economic systematic review methods provide transparency and improve the reliability of estimates that are used to derive a Community Preventive Services Task Force economic finding. This may in turn augment the utility of Community Guide economic reviews for communities making decisions about allocating limited resources to effective programs.

Farmacovigilancia intensiva de vacunas SOBERANA®02 y Soberana®Plus en población pediátrica en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular / Intensive pharmacovigilance of SOBERANA®02 and Soberana®Plus vaccines in pediatric population at the Center for Molecular Immunology

Las vacunas SOBERANA®02 y SOBERANA® Plus contra el coronavirus tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, recibieron autorización de uso en emergencia por la autoridad reguladora de Cuba, y de inmediato aconteció una campaña de vacunación masiva en población pediátrica, lo que devino en una inminente movilización de centros de vacunación y vigilancia de sus eventos adversos. El Centro de Inmunología Molecular realizó un estudio de farmacovigilancia intensiva que evalúo el cumplimiento del esquema heterólogo con ambas vacunas, su seguridad y la incidencia de casos positivos a COVID-19 en niños y adolescentes después de completar el esquema de inmunización. Desde el 15 de septiembre al 31 de diciembre del 2021, participaron 529 sujetos entre 2 y 18 años de edad, de ambos sexos, sin antecedentes de infección por coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, procedentes de 35 municipios y 12 provincias cubanas, quienes recibieron vacuna SOBERANA®02 (dos dosis) y SOBERANA®Plus (una dosis). Se realizó vigilancia de eventos adversos hasta 30 días después de la última dosis recibida. Se consultó la plataforma informática nacional Higia Andariego para identificar los casos positivos al virus del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo coronavirus 2, hasta 3 meses de haber completado la vacunación. El 98,5 por ciento de los participantes completó el esquema de vacunación y en el 6,6 por ciento se notificó algún evento adverso con relación consistente a la vacunación. Predominaron las reacciones locales (dolor, eritema, inflamación), sobre las reacciones sistémicas (fatiga y febrícula), de intensidad ligera o moderada. Se logró un elevado cumplimiento del esquema de inmunización, con un perfil de seguridad favorable, los sujetos con esquema completo de inmunización no enfermaron de COVID-19(AU)

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines, SOBERANA®02 and SOBERANA®Plus, received authorization for emergency use by the Cuban regulatory authority; a massive vaccination campaign was immediately launched in the pediatric population, which led to an imminent mobilization of vaccination centers and surveillance of adverse events. The Molecular Immunology Center conducted an intensive pharmacovigilance study to evaluate compliance of the heterologous scheme with both vaccines, their safety, and the incidence of COVID-19 positive cases in children and adolescents after completing the immunization schedule. From September 15 to December 31, 2021, a total of 529 subjects between 2 and 18 years of age, of both sexes, without a history of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, from 35 municipalities and 12 Cuban provinces, who received SOBERANA®02 (two doses) and SOBERANA®Plus (one dose) vaccines, were included in the study. Surveillance for adverse events was performed up to 30 days after the last dose received. The national computer platform Higia Andariego was consulted to identify positive cases for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 up to 3 months after completing vaccination. According to the report, 98.5percent of the participants completed the vaccination schedule and 6.6percent of them reported some adverse event consistently related to vaccination. Local reactions (pain, erythema, inflammation) prevailed over systemic reactions (fatigue and fever), of light or moderate intensity. High compliance with the immunization schedule was achieved, with a favorable safety profile; subjects with a complete immunization schedule did not become ill with COVID-19(AU)

Guia de boas práticas do cuidado do quadril infantil do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo / Good practice guide for children's hip care at the Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo

Introdução: A Displasia de Desenvolvimento do Quadril (DDQ) é uma condição que pode ocorrer durante o crescimento ou desenvolvimento embrionário, fetal e infantil. O diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento adequado são essenciais para evitar complicações futuras, como a osteoartrose. Atualmente, é estabelecido que o posicionamento pós-natal é um fator causal para a ocorrência da DDQ. Deste modo, o posicionamento pós-natal como no uso de dispositivos como "charutinhos" e "cangurus" influencia na incidência de DDQ. Promover a conscientização de profissionais de saúde e pais de recém-nascidos sobre estes cuidados pode contribuir para um desenvolvimento saudável do quadril e uma menor incidência de DDQ. Objetivo: Elaborar uma cartilha de conscientização a respeito de ações e cuidados com o quadril infantil a fim de diminuir a incidência de displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril em crianças. Método: Revisão da literatura pelos autores, com o objetivo de sistematizar o conteúdo relevante, de forma acessível e didática na forma de uma cartilha que será distribuída aos pais, responsáveis e profissionais de saúde que acompanham as crianças. Resultados: A elaboração da cartilha será estruturada em tópicos abrangendo explicações relacionadas a displasia do desenvolvimento de quadril em formato de textos e imagens de forma informative e acessível. Discussão: A implementação de políticas que conscientizem sobre as práticas adequadas relacionadas ao posicionamento do quadril das crianças poderá diminuir a incidência da DDQ, implicando na diminuição de casos de osteoartrose futuros secundários a esta doença. Isto poderá ter impacto positivo tanto na qualidade de vida e morbimortalidade futuros, como também nos custos de saúde relacionados a dor, locomoção e tratamentos definitivos para os quadris afetados. Conclusão: A conscientização a respeito dos cuidados com o quadril das crianças poderá resultar, além da diminuição da incidência de casos de DDQ, no aumento da adesão ambulatorial de pacientes e responsáveis; promoção de políticas e linhas de cuidados relacionados à prevenção da DDQ; conscientização de profissionais e responsáveis a respeito da DDQ; diminuição de custos relacionados a complicações de diagnósticos tardios da DDQ; possibilitar a realização de estudos futuros relacionadas a implementação das medidas propostas. Palavras-chave: Displasia do desenvolvimento dos quadris. Quadril. Ortopedia Pediátrica.

Moving to More Evidence-Based Primary Care Encounters: A Farewell to the Review of Systems.

This Viewpoint discusses ways in which free time during patient visits, resulting from removal of tradition- and reimbursement-driven care in favor of more evidence-based care, could be used to achieve better health outcomes based on recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force evidence-based preventive care.

Competencias específicas del especialista de medicina general integral para enfrentar la conducta violenta / Specific competences of the specialist in family and community medicine to confront violent behavior

Introducción: Las competencias específicas, igualmente llamadas técnicas o especializadas, tienen que ver con lo propio de determinadas ocupaciones. Designan aquellas relativas al campo disciplinario, de formación y de experiencia del participante. Son la base particular del ejercicio profesional y están vinculadas a condiciones específicas de ejecución. Objetivo: Determinar las competencias específicas del especialista de medicina general integral para enfrentar la conducta violenta. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de corte transversal durante el primer semestre de 2020. Se desarrolló un trabajo de grupo con informantes clave que ofrecían atención especializada a las víctimas de situaciones violentas en el Centro Comunitario de Salud Mental del municipio Playa. Se aplicaron diferentes técnicas grupales, entre las que se destacaron: la tormenta y la escritura de ideas, las cuales, unidas a la experiencia y el conocimiento de cada participante, propiciaron el logro del objetivo propuesto. Resultados: Como principal aporte teórico se determinó un conjunto de competencias que permitieron al especialista de medicina general integral enfrentar las conductas violentas, orientadas esencialmente a la prevención y la detección temprana de esta compleja problemática de salud. Conclusiones: Resultó pertinente determinar un sistema de competencias, en términos de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes, que permitieran al especialista de medicina general integral enfrentar el comportamiento violento, al considerar que la asistencia a las víctimas dependería de la capacidad de estos profesionales para reconocer, comprender y responder a situaciones violentas(AU)

Introduction: Specific competences, also called technical or specialized, have to do with what is specific to certain occupations. They refer to those related to the disciplinary, training and expertise area of the participant. They are the particular basis of professional practice and are linked to specific performance conditions. Objective: To determine the specific competences of the family and community medicine specialist to deal with violent behavior. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out during the first semester of 2020. A group work was developed with key informants who provided specialized care to victims of violent situations in the Community Center for Mental Health of Playa Municipality, Havana, Cuba. Different group techniques were applied, with a special interest in brainstorming and writing of ideas, which, together with the experience and knowledge of each participant, favored the achievement of the proposed objective. Results: As the main theoretical contribution, a set of competences was determined that allowed the specialist in family and community medicine to face violent behaviors, oriented essentially to the prevention and early identification of this complex health concern. Conclusions: It was pertinent to determine a system of competences, in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes, that would allow the specialist in family and community medicine to face violent behavior; upon considering that assistance to victims would depend on the professionals' ability to recognize, understand and respond to violent situations(AU)

Non-participation in a targeted prevention program aimed at lifestyle-related diseases: a questionnaire-based assessment of patient-reported reasons.

BACKGROUND: Having an unhealthy lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. Current evidence suggests that interventions targeting health-risk behaviors can help people improve their lifestyles and prevent lifestyle-related diseases. However, preventive programs are often challenged by low participation rates. Reasons for non-participation include lack of time and/or interest, and/or no perceived need for lifestyle intervention. This study explores causes for non-participation in a sample of people who chose not to take up a targeted preventive program (TOF pilot2 study). Patient-reported reasons as well as sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors are in focus. METHODS: A total of 4633 patients from four Danish GP clinics received an invitation to take part in the TOF pilot2 study. Patients who chose not to participate in the TOF pilot2 study were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning reasons for non-participation, lifestyle, BMI and self-rated health. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize the results. RESULTS: A total of 2462 patients (53.1%) chose not to participate in the TOF pilot2 study. Among these, 84 (3.4%) answered the full questionnaire on reasons for not participating, lifestyle, BMI and self-rated health. The most common reasons for non-participation were lack of time, having an already healthy lifestyle, and feeling healthy. Based on their self-reported lifestyle 45 (53.6%) of the non-participants had one or more health-risk behaviors including smoking, unhealthy diet, BMI ≥ 35 and/or sedentary lifestyle and were therefore eligible to receive the targeted intervention at the GP or the MHC in the original TOF pilot2 study. CONCLUSION: When planning future preventive programs it is important to know the main reasons for patients to not participate. This study provides rare insight into why people opt out of health interventions and advances the evidence base in this area. Our results may inform efforts to better involve these patients in preventive health programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: NCT02797392 .

Priority Topics for the Community Preventive Services Task Force, 2020-2025: A Data-Driven, Partner-Informed Approach.

INTRODUCTION: The Community Preventive Services Task Force periodically engages in a process to identify priority topics to guide their work. This article described the process and results for selecting priority topics to guide the work of the Community Preventive Services Task Force for the period 2020-2025. METHODS: The Community Preventive Services Task Force started with Healthy People 2020 topics. They solicited input on topics from partner organizations and the public. The Community Preventive Services Task Force considered information on 8 criteria for each topic. They conducted preliminary voting and applied a priori decision rules regarding the voting results. The Community Preventive Services Task Force then engaged in facilitated deliberations and took a final vote. This process occurred October 2019-June 2020. RESULTS: From Healthy People 2020, a total of 37 topics were selected as the starting point. The initial voting and decision rules resulted in 3 topics being determined as priorities. Community Preventive Services Task Force members considered data and information on the criteria to inform their deliberations on an additional 7 topics. A total of 9 topics were selected as the set of priorities for 2020-2025. CONCLUSIONS: Having a process that is routine and data-driven ensures that the selection of priorities is sound. By reviewing priority topics every 5 years, the Community Preventive Services Task Force will continue to provide relevant recommendations on community preventive services to improve the nation's health.

Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a pre-exposure prophylaxis program for HIV prevention for men who have sex with men in Japan.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have been disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic in many countries, including Japan. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strong prevention tool, it is not yet approved in Japan. A Markov model was developed to describe HIV infection and disease progression in an MSM cohort (N = 1000) in Japan receiving a PrEP program. The model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a PrEP program. HIV/AIDS treatment, screening, hospitalization due to AIDS, and PrEP were considered as costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained as utilities. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by comparing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a 30-year period against the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold. One-way sensitivity and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. With 50% PrEP coverage, the PrEP program became dominant against the program without PrEP, using a threshold of 5.0 million JPY/QALY (45,455 USD). The probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the PrEP program was dominant or at least cost-effective in most cases of 10,000 simulations. Therefore, preparing cheaper PrEP pills, which results in PrEP being dominant or ICER being lower than the WTP threshold, is important to make the program cost-effective. Introduction of PrEP to an MSM cohort in Japan would be cost-effective over a 30-year time horizon.

Preventable Readmissions Following Common Cancer Surgeries: Lessons Learned from New York State and Targets for Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Potentially preventable readmissions of surgical oncology patients offer opportunities to improve quality of care. Identifying and subsequently addressing remediable causes of readmissions may improve patient-centered care. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with potentially preventable readmissions after index cancer operation. METHODS: The New York State hospital discharge database was used to identify patients undergoing common cancer operations via principal diagnosis and procedure codes between the years 2010 and 2014. The 30-day readmissions were identified and risk factors for potentially preventable readmissions were analyzed using competing risk analysis. RESULTS: A total of 53,740 cancer surgeries performed for the following tumor types were analyzed: colorectal (CRC) (42%), kidney (22%), liver (2%), lung (25%), ovary (4%), pancreas (4%), and uterine (1%). The 30-day readmission rate was 11.97%, 47% of which were identified as potentially preventable. The most common cause of potentially preventable readmissions was sepsis (48%). Pancreatic cancer had the highest overall readmission rate (22%) and CRC had the highest percentage of potentially preventable readmissions (51%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.28-1.61). Risk factors associated with preventable readmissions included discharge disposition to a skilled nursing facility (HR 2.22, 95%CI 1.99-2.48) and the need for home healthcare (HR 1.61, 95%CI 1.48-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the 30-day readmissions were potentially preventable and attributed to high rates of sepsis, surgical site infections, dehydration, and electrolyte disorders. These results can be further validated for identifying broad targets for improvement.

A province-wide HIV initiative to accelerate initiation of treatment-as-prevention and virologic suppression in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, HIV treatment as prevention (TasP), encompassing widespread HIV testing and immediate initiation of free antiretroviral treatment (ART), was piloted under the Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS initiative (STOP) in British Columbia, Canada. We compared the time from HIV diagnosis to treatment initiation, and from treatment initiation to first virologic suppression, before (2005-2009) and after (2010-2016) the implementation of STOP. METHODS: In this population-based cohort study, we used longitudinal data of all people living with an HIV diagnosis in BC from 1996 to 2017. We included those aged 18 years or older who had never received ART and had received an HIV diagnosis in the 2005-2016 period. We defined the virologic suppression date as the first date of at least 2 consecutive test results within 4 months with a viral load of less than 200 copies/mL. Negative binomial regression models assessed the effect of STOP on the time to ART initiation and suppression, adjusting for confounders. All p values were 2-sided, and we set the significance level at 0.05. RESULTS: Participants who received an HIV diagnosis before STOP (n = 1601) were statistically different from those with a diagnosis after STOP (n = 1700); 81% versus 84% were men (p = 0.0187), 30% versus 15% had ever injected drugs (p < 0.0001), and 27% versus 49% had 350 CD4 cells/µL or more at diagnosis (p < 0.0001). The STOP initiative was associated with a 64% shorter time from diagnosis to treatment (adjusted mean ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.39) and a 21% shorter time from treatment to suppression (adjusted mean ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.73-0.85). INTERPRETATION: In a population with universal health coverage, a TasP intervention was associated with shorter times from HIV diagnosis to treatment initiation, and from treatment initiation to viral suppression. Our results show accelerating progress toward the United Nations' 90-90-90 target of people with HIV who have a diagnosis, those who are on antiretroviral therapy and those who are virologically suppressed, and support the global expansion of TasP to accelerate the control of HIV/AIDS.

Prevention of Emotional Disorders and Symptoms Under Health Conditions: A Pilot Study using the Unified Protocol in a Fertility Unit

Los trastornos emocionales (TE) son frecuentes durante los tratamientos de fertilidad. El Protocolo Unificado (PU) es una intervención transdiagnóstica que ha demostrado su eficacia en la prevención de TE en condiciones médicas. El objetivo de este estudio piloto es:1) mejorar la disregulación emocional para prevenir síntomas ansiosos y depresivos en mujeres en tratamiento de inseminación artificial (IA); 2) evaluar la acepta-bilidad (satisfacción y adherencia). Método: 5 mujeres en tratamiento de IA, sin diagnóstico clínico, respondieron a medidas de estado de ánimo (ansiedad y depresión),afecto,calidad de vida y regulación emocional en el pre-y post-evaluación, y en los seguimientos a los 1, 3 y 6 meses. La adap-tación preventiva del PU se basó en la aplicación de 6 sesiones presenciales grupales de 2 horas de duración. La situación generada por la COVID-19 provocó el cambio al formato online para finalizar el programa. Resultados: las mujeres no desarrollaron TE, no se encontraron diferencias pre-post y pre-seguimientos estadísticamente significativas en ansiedad, depresión, ca-lidad de vida y disregulación emocional (p>.050). Se observa una tenden-cia a la mejoría en la evaluación post-programa. Conclusiones: Parece que programas como el PU, centrado en factores terapéuticos compartidos, ha tenido un efecto emocional preventivo durante IA.(AU)

Emotional Disorders (EDs) are common in women who under-go fertility treatments. The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic in-tervention that has demonstrated efficacy in preventing EDs under differ-ent health conditions. The aim of this pilot study is to: 1) improve emo-tional dysregulation for the prevention of anxiety and depressive symp-toms in women undergoing intrauterine inseminations (IUI); 2) assess their acceptability (e.g., satisfaction and adherence rates). Method: Five women undergoing IUI, with no clinical diagnoses, responded to measures of mood (anxiety and depression), affect, quality of life and emotional dysregulation in the pre-and post-assessments, and at the 1-, 3-and 6-month follow-ups. The UP was adapted to be applied during six face-to-face group sessions lasting 2 h. The COVID-19 pandemic situation im-plied changing to an online format to end the program. Results: The re-sults showed that women did not develop EDs, and no statistically signifi-cant pre-post and pre-follow-up differences werefound for anxiety, de-pression,quality of life and emotional dysregulation (all p>.050). A ten-dency towards improvement in the post-assessment evaluation was noted. Satisfaction with the format and UP program was high. Conclusions: It would seem that programs focusing on therapeutic common factors like the UP could have an emotional preventive effect during IUI.(AU)

Effects of the 2012 and 2018 US preventive services task force prostate cancer screening guidelines on pathologic outcomes after prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In May 2018, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended prostate cancer (PCa) screening for ages 55-69 be an individual decision. This changed from the USPSTF's May 2012 recommendation against screening for all ages. The effects of the 2012 and 2018 updates on pathologic outcomes after prostatectomy are unclear. METHODS: This study included 647 patients with PCa who underwent prostatectomy at our institution from 2005 to 2018. Patient groups were those diagnosed before the 2012 update (n = 179), between 2012 and 2018 updates (n = 417), and after the 2018 update (n = 51). We analyzed changes in the age of diagnosis, pathologic Gleason grade group (pGS), pathologic stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and favorable/unfavorable pathology. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for pre-biopsy covariables (age, prostate-specific antigen [PSA], African American race, family history) assessed impacts of 2012 and 2018 updates on pGS and pathologic stage. A p  < 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: Median age increased from 60 to 63 (p = 0.001) between 2012 and 2018 updates and to 64 after the 2018 update. A significant decrease in pGS1, pGS2, pT2, and favorable pathology (p < 0.001), and a significant increase in pGS3, pGS4, pGS5, pT3a, and unfavorable pathology (p < 0.001) was detected between 2012 and 2018 updates. There was no significant change in pT3b or LVI between 2012 and 2018 updates. On multivariable regression, diagnosis between 2012 and 2018 updates was significantly associated with pGS4 or pGS5 and pT3a (p < 0.001). Diagnosis after the 2018 update was significantly associated with pT3a (p = 0.005). Odds of pGS4 or pGS5 were 3.2× higher (p < 0.001) if diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 updates, and 2.3× higher (p = 0.051) if after the 2018 update. Odds of pT3a were 2.4× higher (p < 0.001) if diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 updates and 2.9× higher (p = 0.005) if after the 2018 update. CONCLUSIONS: The 2012 USPSTF guidelines negatively impacted pathologic outcomes after prostatectomy. Patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 updates had increased frequency of higher-risk PCa and lower frequency of favorable disease. In addition, data after the 2018 update demonstrate a continued negative impact on postprostatectomy pathology. Thus, further investigation of the long-term effects of the 2018 USPSTF update is warranted.

Impact of state-level training requirements for medical providers on receipt of preventive oral health services for young children enrolled in Medicaid.

OBJECTIVES: Young children enrolled in Medicaid make few dental visits and have high rates of tooth decay. To improve access to care, state Medicaid programs have enacted policies encouraging nondental providers to deliver preventive oral health services (POHS) in medical offices. Policies vary by state, with some states requiring medical providers to obtain training prior to delivering POHS. Our objective was to test whether these training requirements were associated with higher rates of POHS for Medicaid-enrolled children <6 years. METHODS: This study took advantage of a natural experiment in which policy enactment occurred across states at different times. We used Medicaid Analytic eXtract enrollment and claims data, public policy data, and Area Health Resource Files data. We examined an unweighted sample of 8,711,192 (45,107,240 weighted) Medicaid-enrolled children <6 years in 38 states from 2006 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the odds a child received POHS in a calendar year. Results are presented as adjusted probabilities. RESULTS: Five or more years after policy enactment, the probability of a child receiving POHS in medical offices was 10.7 percent in states with training requirements compared to 5.0 percent in states without training requirements (P = 0.01). Findings were similar when receipt of any POHS in medical or dental offices was examined 5 or more years post-policy-enactment (requirement = 42.5 percent, no requirement = 33.6 percent, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid policies increased young children's receipt of POHS and at higher rates in states that required POHS training. These results suggest that oral health training for nondental practitioners is a key component of policy success.

Aging and changes in adiposity indices: the impact of menopause.

PURPOSE: Aging is associated with significant changes in fat distribution and menopause may alter this process. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal effect of menopause on changes in adiposity indices (AI). METHODS: A total number of 3876 non-menopausal women, aged > 20 years, who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose study, were selected for the present study. They were followed from 1998 to 2018 at a 3-year interval and their adiposity indices were measured. Throughout the study, participants were categorized into two groups according to their menopausal status as group 1): women who reached menopause and group 2): women who did not reach menopause. The generalized estimation equation (GEE) models were used to compare the trend of changes in AIs between these two groups. RESULTS: At the end of the study, a total number of 1479 (38.2%) participants reached menopause. The odds of general obesity decreased by 5% (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99), and the odds of central obesity increased by 6% in group1 compared to group2 (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: Menopause alters the impact of aging on central fat distribution. Increasing awareness of the related risk in menopausal women and their healthcare professional may prevent adverse related outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical and laboratory variables related to new phenotypes using machine-learning models.

PURPOSE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Machine learning (ML) is the area of artificial intelligence with a focus on predictive computing algorithms. We aimed to define the most relevant clinical and laboratory variables related to PCOS diagnosis, and to stratify patients into different phenotypic groups (clusters) using ML algorithms. METHODS: Variables from a database comparing 72 patients with PCOS and 73 healthy women were included. The BorutaShap method, followed by the Random Forest algorithm, was applied to prediction and clustering of PCOS. RESULTS: Among the 58 variables investigated, the algorithm selected in decreasing order of importance: lipid accumulation product (LAP); abdominal circumference; thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels; body mass index (BMI); C-reactive protein (CRP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin levels; HOMA-IR value; age; prolactin, 17-OH progesterone and triglycerides levels; and family history of diabetes mellitus in first-degree relative as the variables associated to PCOS diagnosis. The combined use of these variables by the algorithm showed an accuracy of 86% and area under the ROC curve of 97%. Next, PCOS patients were gathered into two clusters in the first, the patients had higher BMI, abdominal circumference, LAP and HOMA-IR index, as well as CRP and insulin levels compared to the other cluster. CONCLUSION: The developed algorithm could be applied to select more important clinical and biochemical variables related to PCOS and to classify into phenotypically different clusters. These results could guide more personalized and effective approaches to the treatment of PCOS.

Characterizing and mapping the spatial variability of HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women: A cross-county analysis of population-based surveys in Eswatini, Haiti, and Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: To stem the HIV epidemic among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), prevention programs must target services towards those most at risk for HIV. This paper investigates approaches to estimate HIV risk and map the spatial heterogeneity of at-risk populations in three countries: Eswatini, Haiti and Mozambique. METHODS: We analyzed HIV biomarker and risk factor data from recent population-based household surveys. We characterized risk using three approaches: complementary log-log regression, latent class analysis (LCA), and presence of at least one risk factor. We calculated the proportion and 95 percent confidence intervals of HIV-negative AGYW at risk across the three methods and employed Chi-square tests to investigate associations between risk classification and HIV status. Using geolocated survey data at enumeration clusters and high-resolution satellite imagery, we applied algorithms to predict the number and proportion of at-risk AGYW at hyperlocal levels. RESULTS: The any-risk approach yielded the highest proportion of at-risk and HIV-negative AGYW across five-year age bands: 26%-49% in Eswatini, 52%-67% in Haiti, and 32%-84% in Mozambique. Using LCA, between 8%-16% of AGYW in Eswatini, 37%-62% in Haiti, and 56%-80% in Mozambique belonged to a high vulnerability profile. In Haiti and Mozambique, the regression-based profile yielded the lowest estimate of at-risk AGYW. In general, AGYW characterized as "at risk" across the three methods had significantly higher odds of HIV infection. Hyperlocal maps indicated high levels of spatial heterogeneity in HIV risk prevalence and population density of at-risk AGYW within countries. CONCLUSION: Characterizing risk among AGYW can help HIV prevention programs better understand the differential effect of multiple risk factors, facilitate early identification of high-risk AGYW, and design tailored interventions. Hyperlocal mapping of these at-risk populations can help program planners target prevention interventions to geographic areas with populations at greatest risk for HIV to achieve maximal impact on HIV incidence reduction.