Population Data Research Articles

The association between low-dose aspirin intake and osteoarthritis: a population-based cross-sectional study based on NHANES.

Low-dose aspirin is widely used as a preventive medication for cardiovascular diseases. However, there is controversy regarding the impact of low-dose aspirin on articular cartilage. The aim of this study is to explore the association between low-dose aspirin intake and osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the United States population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. The investigation of low-dose aspirin intake and the diagnosis of OA was based on self-reporting in questionnaires. Multivariate regression models was used to assess the relationship between low-dose aspirin intake and OA. In addition, subgroup and interaction analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the results. A total of 12,215 participants were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low-dose aspirin use had significantly increased the odds of OA (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01-1.28; p = 0.035). A significant and consistent association of low-dose aspirin intake with OA was still observed in each subgroup stratified by gender, age, and the presence of comorbidities including diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. The results illustrated that the relationship between low-dose aspirin intake and OA was stable in all subgroups and had no interaction. Our study confirmed that low-dose aspirin intake may increase the risk of OA. Attention should be paid to the possibility of joint degenerative changes in patients who take low-dose aspirin chronically. However, further studies are needed to explore the possible mechanisms behind this association.

Estimating Long-Term Survivorship Rates Among Patients With Resected Stage III/IV Melanoma: Analyses From CheckMate 238 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 18071 Trials.

Standard-of-care treatments for patients with resected stage III/IV melanoma include the immuno-oncology (IO) agents nivolumab (NIVO) and ipilimumab (IPI). This study used mixture cure models (MCMs) to estimate cure rates among patients treated with NIVO or IPI in the phase III CheckMate 238 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02388906) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 18071 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00636168) trials, and to assess the impact of use of adjuvant immunotherapy on cure rates versus watchful waiting. MCMs were applied to patient-level recurrence-free survival data from CheckMate 238 and EORTC 18071. Cured patients were assumed to experience no disease recurrence and mortality risks similar to the general population. Uncured patients were at risk of disease recurrence and all-cause death. The survival trend of the cured patients was estimated using life expectancy data for a general population with the same baseline demographic characteristics. A regression model assessed the odds ratios (ORs) of cure across key subgroups on the basis of baseline characteristics of the study populations. In CheckMate 238, estimated cure rates were 48.3% (95% CI, 41.8 to 54.9) with NIVO and 38.2% (95% CI, 32.7 to 44.1) with IPI. In EORTC 18071, estimated cure rates were 38.0% (95% CI, 32.1 to 44.2) with IPI and 29.2% (95% CI, 24.4 to 34.6) with placebo. In the indirect comparison of the two trials, the odds of cure were significantly higher with NIVO than with placebo (OR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.49 to 3.65]). Analyses involving two large phase III trials investigating adjuvant IO treatment for resected melanoma demonstrate higher cure rates for both NIVO and IPI than placebo, with NIVO providing the highest cure rate. Similar cure rates were estimated for patients treated with IPI in both trials, despite staging and dosing differences.

Psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in an Icelandic community sample

Purpose The current paper aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Icelandic translation of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, for both parent and teacher reports. SDQ is a widely used questionnaire for screening mental problems among youth. However, only a few studies have conducted a factor analysis on the youngest and oldest cohorts using an adequate sample size. This study aims not only to examine the traditional 5-factor model and alternative models suggested in prior research but also to establish norm data for the Icelandic population. Materials and methods The total sample consists of 1653 youth aged 5–16 years, thereof 316 parent reports and 271 teacher reports for the 5-year-old sample. We used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure. Special attention was given to the models’ performance across different age groups and between genders. This cross-demographic evaluation is vital to ensure that the SDQ’s utility is not limited by developmental or gender-specific variations in symptom expression or reporting. Results We found an acceptable fit for both the original five-factor model and the more recent three-factor model with higher-order internalizing and externalizing factors. The fit for the factor structures seemed to be quite similar across ages. However, we observed goodness-of-fit below the acceptable range for girls on the parent ratings. We also found evidence for the convergent and divergent validity of both models. Conclusions The current study provides further evidence of the utility of the SDQ as a screening instrument, with an acceptable factor structure across ages.

The predictive power of Dutch end of primary school tests for educational attainment in ninth grade

AbstractDutch secondary education is a multi‐tiered system, and many students are placed in a single track in the first year (seventh grade) of secondary education. As part of the placement procedure, all sixth‐grade students take an end of primary school test. Although these standardised attainment tests (SATs) are considered high‐stakes tests, the predictive accuracy of many of these SATs has not been studied comprehensively. In the current study, three SATs commonly used in The Netherlands (CET, IEP and R8) were compared on their predictive accuracy of educational attainment in ninth grade. The predictive accuracy was also investigated for particular track recommendations, using multiple cohorts of population data, each of around 160,000 students. For the two most recent cohorts, CET was overall a more accurate predictor of educational attainment in ninth grade than R8, which in turn was a more accurate predictor than IEP. All three attainment tests had only mediocre to acceptable predictive power overall. Furthermore, all three tests had very poor predictive power for certain single‐track recommendations. For these track recommendations, many students attained a lower or higher educational level in ninth grade. This study is the first to compare the predictive accuracy of these SATs. While statistical noise is normal when using tests, since different tests are used that vary widely in predictive accuracy, there is much more noise than is acceptable. As long as the predictive accuracy is poor to mediocre, these SATs should not have a large role to play in the Dutch placement procedure for secondary education.

A call to action to scale up research and clinical genomic data sharing.

Genomic data from millions of individuals have been generated worldwide to drive discovery and clinical impact in precision medicine. Lowering the barriers to using these data collectively is needed to equitably realize the benefits of the diversity and scale of population data. We examine the current landscape of global genomic data sharing, including the evolution of data sharing models from data aggregation through to data visiting, and for certain use cases, cross-cohort analysis using federated approaches across multiple environments. We highlight emerging examples of best practice relating to participant, patient and community engagement; evolution of technical standards, tools and infrastructure; and impact of research and health-care policy. We outline 12 actions we can all take together to scale up efforts to enable safe global data sharing and move beyond projects demonstrating feasibility to routinely cross-analysing research and clinical datasets, optimizing benefit.

High-resolution spatio-temporal risk mapping for malaria in Namibia: a comprehensive analysis

BackgroundNamibia, a low malaria transmission country targeting elimination, has made substantial progress in reducing malaria burden through improved case management, widespread indoor residual spraying and distribution of insecticidal nets. The country's diverse landscape includes regions with varying population densities and geographical niches, with the north of the country prone to periodic outbreaks. As Namibia approaches elimination, malaria transmission has clustered into distinct foci, the identification of which is essential for deployment of targeted interventions to attain the southern Africa Elimination Eight Initiative targets by 2030. Geospatial modelling provides an effective mechanism to identify these foci, synthesizing aggregate routinely collected case counts with gridded environmental covariates to downscale case data into high-resolution risk maps.MethodsThis study introduces innovative infectious disease mapping techniques to generate high-resolution spatio-temporal risk maps for malaria in Namibia. A two-stage approach is employed to create maps using statistical Bayesian modelling to combine environmental covariates, population data, and clinical malaria case counts gathered from the routine surveillance system between 2018 and 2021.ResultsA fine-scale spatial endemicity surface was produced for annual average incidence, followed by a spatio-temporal modelling of seasonal fluctuations in weekly incidence and aggregated further to district level. A seasonal profile was inferred across most districts of the country, where cases rose from late December/early January to a peak around early April and then declined rapidly to a low level from July to December. There was a high degree of spatial heterogeneity in incidence, with much higher rates observed in the northern part and some local epidemic occurrence in specific districts sporadically.ConclusionsWhile the study acknowledges certain limitations, such as population mobility and incomplete clinical case reporting, it underscores the importance of continuously refining geostatistical techniques to provide timely and accurate support for malaria elimination efforts. The high-resolution spatial risk maps presented in this study have been instrumental in guiding the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services in prioritizing and targeting malaria prevention efforts. This two-stage spatio-temporal approach offers a valuable tool for identifying hotspots and monitoring malaria risk patterns, ultimately contributing to the achievement of national and sub-national elimination goals.

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Intravenous Efgartigimod and Subcutaneous Efgartigimod PH20 in Healthy Chinese Participants.

Efgartigimod, a human immunoglobulin G (IgG)1-derived Fc fragment targeting the neonatal Fc receptor, has been developed into intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations for treating generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and other autoimmune diseases. Data in the Chinese population were not available to date, and while both formulations have been approved in the USA, the EU, Japan and Chinafor the treatment of gMG. We present the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety of IV and SC PH20 efgartigimod in healthy Chinese participants. In two independent, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase I studies of the IV and SC formulations of efgartigimod, healthy Chinese adults were randomized 3:1 to receive active treatment or matching placebo once every 7 days for four doses. Primary endpoints were pharmacokinetic parameters. After the fourth IV infusion, a mean maximum observed concentration (Cmax) of 194 µg/mL was reached at the end of the 1 h infusion; the mean area under concentration-time curve from time zero to 168 h (AUC0-168h) was 5300 µg × h/mL. After the fourth SC injection, a mean Cmax of 42.1 µg/mL was achieved with a median Tmax of 47.74 h; the mean AUC0-168h was 4790 µg × h/mL. Maximal mean reductions from baseline in total IgG levels were reached approximately 24 days after the first dose (60.7%, IV formulation; 66.4%, SC formulation). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in seven (58.3%) participants receiving SC efgartigimod, mostly injection-site reactions. No TRAEs or AEs of special interest were reported in the IV study. The efgartigimod IV and SC pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety profiles in Chinese participants were similar to the known profiles in non-Chinese participants. Both formulations effectively reduced total IgG levels by a similar percentage. CTR20211952 and CTR20211805.

Out of focus but still relevant? Influenza-related resource utilization and vaccination coverage gaps in adults below 60 years of age with underlying conditions: an analysis of 2016–2024 real-world data in Germany

Background In 2003, the WHO aimed for a 75% or higher influenza vaccination rate among at-risk populations. However, this target was achieved in a few groups during selected seasons in some European countries, and never in Germany. Adults with underlying conditions (UCs) are a critical negleted group for influenza vaccination. This study aimed to identify data gaps in influenza burden and vaccination coverage among adults under 60 with UCs in Germany and bridge these gaps using real-world data. Material and methods We conducted systematic research and analyses using German administrative and claims databases from June 2016 to April 2024. We report on epidemiology, direct care costs, indirect costs from work incapacity, vaccination coverage rates, and describe data gaps. Results Influenza data for high-risk populations are limited. Comprehensive data on influenza epidemiology and vaccination coverage rates (VCR) is available, though with a delay in data availability. Before and after the pandemic, individuals aged 50-59 had the highest rates of influenza-related hospitalization and ICU admission compared to younger age groups. Across all age groups and seasons, individuals with UC experienced higher rates of medically attended influenza cases, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs, with those aged 35–59 being particularly vulnerable. Vaccine coverage was higher in adults aged 35–59 compared to those aged 18–24, and in females compared to males. Limitations Discrepancies of vaccination status, limited data availability, and variations among the extent of UCs. Conclusion In Germany, recent policy measures have mainly targeted those aged 60 and above. While this elderly population experiences the highest disease-related impact, influenza can also lead to substantial healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs in younger populations with chronic UCs; Facilitating vaccination access for this group, such as through pharmacies, is essential. Definition of quantifiable vaccination targets and measures to increase vaccination rates based on these targets are required.

Biological Reference Ranges for Healthy Indian Blood Donors: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center Vis-à-Vis International Literature.

Complete blood count is the most common, basic test requisitioned in hematology. The normal reference ranges of hematological parameters are required owing to variable socioeconomic, environmental, and genetic factors in populations. The current study determines the reference ranges of the healthy Indian donor population of a high socioeconomic group. The study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in India and included 4098 individuals, aged 18-65 years coming for voluntary blood donation from July 2021 to October 2022. Blood samples were collected in K2EDTA, analyzed on the Sysmex XN-31 hematology analyzer, and using statistical tools, the normal reference ranges were calculated. The reference ranges for hemoglobin (HB) (137-185 g/L), WBC (5.1-1.7 × 109/L), platelet count (115.6-370.0 × 109/L) were noted. No statistically significant changes were observed in different age groups. There were gender-wise differences noted in nearly all parameters. The HB and hematocrit (HCT) range was slightly higher in other Indian and other Asian populations with comparable values with the Chinese, Korean populations, and Western populations; RBC parameters were overall comparable with minor differences; the WBC count was higher than the other Indian and Asian populations particularly the upper limit of lymphocyte and monocyte; and the range of platelet counts had a comparable upper limit with all populations and had the lowest lower value in males in our study, which was comparable to only the Chinese population. It is concluded that reference ranges of common parameters were calculated with minor changes noted in all hematological parameters on comparing with other Indian, Asian population, and Western data.

Evaluating Spatial Interpolation Maps of the Age Structure of the Population of Thi Qar Governorate Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technologies

The research aims to harness spatial interpolation techniques to produce maps with a high level of perceptual accuracy in representing the population data of the study area. This is achieved after exploring the statistical and spatial nature of the databases used, analyzing them, and determining their distribution using a variety of spatial data exploration tools available within the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. These tools contribute to evaluating the characteristics, distribution, and analysis of data, including testing data distribution, identifying its direction, and uncovering its spatial correlations. This highlights the importance of the study and understanding the distribution pattern of the population data in the study area, thereby facilitating the preparation of future that serve spatial organization by building spatial models for the numerical distribution of the data for age groups: young, middle-aged, and elderly, at the level of administrative units of the study area by relying on the inductive approach and the quantitative analysis approach. This is done using Geostatistical Analysis methods within the concept of spatial interpolation in GIS. The research also seeks to predict the population maps for Thi Qar Governorate by comparing spatial interpolation methods, namely Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Simple Kriging (SK). The study concluded, after verifying the accuracy of the results using the Cross-Validation curve, that the Simple Kriging (SK) method is the most accurate model in spatial prediction of population data for representing the data of the young age group in the study area, as it had the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.012. It was followed by the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method for representing the data of the elderly age group with an RMSE of 350.48. This indicates that the use of statistical criteria improves the accuracy of spatial interpolation and that the spatial prediction of the population data for the study area using the Simple Kriging (SK) method was more accurate than the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method based on statistical indicators.

Prevalence of cumulative cardiovascular risk factors among women of childbearing age in France: Results of the GYNRISK® survey

Global burden of cardiovascular disease is growing worldwide among women, particularly in younger women. Corresponding increases in the number and severity of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) associated with a greater impact in women could explain this increase in incidence. The prevalence of CVRF remains poorly known within young women, especially their cumulative prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of traditional and emerging CVRF, including female-specific CVRF, in young French women of childbearing age (16–45 years). The GYNRISK® survey aimed to analyse the magnitude and cumulation of CVRF. Two thousand women, representative of the general population, completed a self-administered, computer-assisted web interviewing survey.Results highlighted the high prevalence of traditional CVRF (73.8 % with at least one CVRF). Modifiable CVRF were also particularly high, especially overweight/obesity (31.3 %), tobacco/cannabis consumption (24.0 %), sedentary lifestyle (55.4 %), low fruit and vegetable intake (83.6 %), and poor health literacy (87.2 %). Additionally, a high prevalence of accumulated CVRF was reported, with 37.8 % of young French women having ≥2 traditional CVRF, 69.6 % having ≥1 traditional and ≥1 emergent CVRF, and 73.3 % having ≥1 traditional in addition to ≥1 lifestyle associated CVRF. Among women receiving combined hormonal contraception (CHC), 34.0 % had a contraindication for CHC due of the presence of CVRF (single or cumulative) according to recommendations. GYNRISK® survey highlighted the need for more data in this understudied population of young women. Increasing knowledge, screening, prevention, and information, with targeting on modifiable CVRF must be a priority to reduce women cardiovascular burden.

Potential for advances in data linkage and data science to support injury prevention research

The recent COVID-19 pandemic stimulated unprecedented linkage of datasets worldwide, and while injury is endemic rather than pandemic, there is much to be learned by the injury prevention community from...

Evaluation of Aedes aegypti control intervention with pyriproxyfen by lcWGS in Manacapuru, Amazonas, Brazil.

Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are considered a global threat to public health due to its ability to transmit arboviruses such as yellow fever, dengue, Zika and Chikungunya to humans. The lack of effective arboviral vaccines and etiological treatments make vector control strategies fundamental in interrupting the transmission cycle of these pathogens. This study evaluated Ae. aegypti mosquito populations pre- and post-intervention period with disseminating stations of the larvicide pyriproxyfen to understand its potential influence on the genetic structure and population diversity of these vectors. This study was conducted in Manacapuru city, Amazonas, Brazil, where 1,000 pyriproxyfen dissemination stations were deployed and monitored from FEB/2014 to FEB/2015 (pre-intervention) and AUG/2015 to JAN/2016 (post-intervention). Low-coverage whole genome sequencing of 36 individuals was performed, revealing significant stratification between pre- and post-intervention groups (pairwise FST estimate of 0.1126; p-value < 0.033). Tajima's D estimates were -3.25 and -3.07 (both p-value < 0.01) for pre- and post-intervention groups, respectively. Molecular diversity estimates (Theta(S) and Theta(Pi)) also showed divergences between pre- and post-intervention groups. PCA and K-means analysis showed clustering for SNP frequency matrix and SNP genotype matrix, respectively, being both mainly represented by the first principal component. PCA and K-means clustering also showed significant results that corroborate the impact of pyriproxyfen intervention on genetic structure populations of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The results revealed a bottleneck effect and reduced mosquito populations during intervention, followed by reintroduction from adjacent and unaffected populations by this vector. We highlighted that low-coverage whole genome sequencing can contribute to genetic and structure population data, and also generate important information to aid in genomic and epidemiological surveillance.

Temporal Analysis of Riparian Buffer Zones and Demographic Trends in the Coastal Districts of Kastamonu

Aim of study: This study investigates the temporal changes of forest areas within and outside the Riparian Buffer Zones (RBZs) and examines their correlation with demographic trends in the coastal districts of Kastamonu from 1987, 2000, and 2016 to assess how population dynamics influence forest cover. Area of study: The study was conducted in four coastal districts in northern Kastamonu province, Türkiye, covering approximately 1000 square kilometers and focusing on 153 forest villages. Material and methods: Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing data delineated and analyzed land cover and population changes. The study used Landsat imagery and population data to explore spatial and temporal dynamics within the RBZs Main results: The study found a significant increase in forest area from 1987 to 2000 and a subsequent decrease from 2000 to 2016, with these changes showing a weak but significant negative correlation with the declining local population. Research highlihts: The findings suggest that declining rural populations may reduce anthropogenic pressures on forests and pose challenges to effective forest management and conservation. The research highlights the need for sustainable strategies integrating demographic change with forest conservation efforts to maintain ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Differences in survival of patients with multiple myeloma in rural versus metropolitan regions: Analysis of population data of an Australian local health district.

The objective of this study is to determine if there are differences in outcome for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in a rural setting compared to a metropolitan setting and which factors influence these outcomes. Retrospective cohort study. Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. A total of 391 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 2000 and 2022. Treatment and survival outcomes of these patients. Patients being treated in a rural cancer care centre had lower overall survival compared to those treated at a metropolitan cancer care centre (median OS = 44.4 months vs. 80.2 months, p = 0.002), despite access to similar treatments by the same group of haematologists. There was a significantly higher rate of upfront autologous transplantation (38% vs. 20%, p = 0.001) and higher rate of inclusion in clinical trials (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.021) in patients treated at a metropolitan cancer care centre compared to the rural cancer care centre. Multiple myeloma patients treated at a rural centre had shorter survival compared to patients treated at a metropolitan centre, and this may be related to lower rates of autologous transplantation and inclusion in clinical trials.

Resilience and coping during protracted conflict: a comparative analysis of general and evacuees populations

BackgroundOn October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, triggering a conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip. This ongoing war, now six months old, has also seen threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as from Yemen and Iran. The precarious security situation along Israel’s southern and northern borders led to extensive evacuations, with residents relocating within Israel under uncertain conditions concerning their return and property safety. This study compares resilience (societal, SR; community, CR; and individual, IR), hope, morale, distress symptoms (anxiety and depression symptoms), and perceived danger between general Hebrew-speaking adults and evacuee adults a few months post-conflict initiation.MethodsData was collected using structured self-reported questionnaires focusing on resilience and coping strategies, administered through two online panel companies. The general population data was collected from January 14–21, 2024 (N = 1,360), and the evacuees’ data from March 1–9, 2024 (N = 372; 133 from the north, 239 from the south).ResultsEvacuees reported lower SR and CR, hope, and morale, and higher distress symptoms and perceived danger compared to the general population. No differences in IR were found. Regression analyses identified different primary predictors of SR for each group: hope for the general population and governmental support for evacuees. Additionally, IR significantly predicted outcomes only among evacuees, whereas age, religiosity, and education were significant predictors solely in the general population. One notable similarity emerged: CR served as the second most influential predictor in both samples.ConclusionsThe entire population of Israel is affected by the ongoing war, yet evacuees endure a disproportionately severe impact, with potential for increased harm as the conflict persists. The adjustment to a new wartime emergency routine is more complex for evacuees than for the general population. It is crucial for policy and decision-makers to address the distinct differences between evacuees and the general populace to effectively meet their specific needs. Yet, it should be acknowledged that the evacuees represent a heterogenic group, necessitating a detailed subdivision into subgroups to accurately assess and address their unique challenges.

Data resource profile: Exploring freely accessible data describing wider determinants of health in England

IntroductionIn England, life expectancy has stalled and significant decreases observed in certain geographical areas and populations. The cause of this involves complex dynamics between an individual's health, characteristics, lifestyle, and their wider environment known as the wider determinants of health which are key to good life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and prevention of long-term medical conditions. Knowing the availability, breadth, features, and linkage potential of datasets relevant to wider determinants of health is important for exploring trends and associations for policy and public health planning. MethodsA systematic mapping of internet content identified accessible datasets relevant to wider determinants of health in England with town level geographical granularity or lower. Search terms were used in search engines and chatbots to identify weblinks subsequently examined for eligible datasets. Results105 potential weblinks to datasets were identified. Of these, twenty-one weblinks were explored further after exclusion of those: not accessible or currently live (n = 13); duplicated across search engines (n = 17); providing information only (i.e. no raw data, n = 14); did not provide freely accessible data (n 3); were not relevant to wider determinants of health (n = 17); lacked geographical granularity (n = 26). Eighty-nine datasets of interest were compiled with sub-town level data aggregation. Approximately half (n = 47, 52%) were from the England and Wales census 2021, with the remaining sources including government bodies, public services, and research datasets. Datasets covered many valuable categories of wider determinants of health. Key data gaps included food consumption, social care data and community/voluntary services. ConclusionIn England, access to data relevant to wider determinants of health is good and available at relatively small geographical resolution. Accessible datasets were identified and compiled within multiple categories of wider determinants of health as a useful data resource to explore wider determinants of health at place if linked to relevant health data or population studies. Key Features This data resource profile describes a systematic mapping of freely accessible population data on wider determinants of health in England. To the authors knowledge this is the first comprehensive compilation of freely accessible data resources of this kind. This data resource profile was created to support research into the mechanisms and impact of wider determinants on the health of populations in England but is applicable to research and populations studies wider than this. Eighty-nine datasets were identified that may be of use to researchers in health and other population data fields. Datasets are held separately but many have the potential to be linked through common geographical area codes to other relevant datasets such as health data. The datasets originate from multiple sources including government bodies, public services, and research datasets. They cover many key categories of wider determinants of health including socioeconomics, employment, housing, support services, and the environment. Key data gaps included food consumption, social care data and community/voluntary services. The data resource profile in this article links directly to freely accessible datasets at the time of publication in the tables provided. The authors welcome contact from researchers for collaboration on exploring wider determinants of health through data use. Please contact Dr Melanie Rees-Roberts m.rees-roberts@kent.ac.uk

Spatial distribution and fixed-precision sequential sampling plans for Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) adults in primocane raspberry: influence of foliar insecticides.

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an invasive species from northern Japan, was first detected in Minnesota in 1968. According to fruit growers and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, population size and feeding damage has been an increasing concern since 2010. Based on trap-catch data, populations have recently exceeded 4,000 beetles/trap/week during July-August near raspberry fields, and can increase by an order of magnitude within 7-10 days. The primary goals of this study were to assess the spatial distribution of P. japonica adults in raspberry, and to develop and validate a practical fixed-precision sequential sampling plan for grower use. Taylor's Power Law (TPL) regression was used to characterize the beetle's spatial pattern in research plots and commercial fields, either with or without insecticide applications. We then used Green's plan to develop an enumerative sequential sampling plan to estimate P. japonica density in primocane raspberry. Beetle population data were collected at two locations in southern Minnesota, including the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center, and a commercial field near Forest Lake. The TPL results, via slope comparisons, indicated no significant differences in P. japonica spatial pattern between insecticide treated plots versus untreated plots, or among 4 different insecticides (P>0.05). Utilizing all spatial pattern data, we characterized the distribution of P. japonica beetles to be highly aggregated in raspberry, with TPL slopes ranging from b = 1.38 to 1.55; all slopes were found to be >1.0. Although the slopes were not significantly different, we accounted for variability in spatial pattern by using 33 independent data sets, and the Resampling for Validation of Sampling Plans (RVSP) model to validate a sampling plan with a final average precision level of 0.25 (SEM/mean), recommended for integrated pest management (IPM) purposes. The final sampling plan required an average sample number of only 15, 1-m-row samples, while providing high relative net precision (RNP), and thus a cost-effective, efficient sample plan for growers.

Updated distribution and new emerging populations of Cynometracebuensis F. Seid. (Fabaceae), a critically endangered endemic plant from the Philippines.

Cynometracebuensis F. Seid. is an endemic and threatened tree from the Philippines. The species was previously described to exclusively thrive in the Tabunan Forest of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape. Due to its narrow geographic distribution and threats from land conversion, slash-and-burn activities and non-regulated wood harvesting by locals, C.cebuensis was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1a and B1b (as well as B2a and B2b) of the IUCN Red List in 2013. The present study provides new additional locations of C.cebuensis in the Municipalities of Argao and Minglanilla in Cebu along with population data and habitat characteristics for each site. Although new populations of C.cebuensis were discovered, it remains at significant risk of extinction in its natural habitat. Urgent and comprehensive conservation efforts are imperative to prevent its extinction. This paper provides the updated distribution map of Cynometracebuensis F. Seid, a critically endangered endemic species in the Philippines showing five (5) distribution records.

Ergonomic Evaluation and Design of Workstation for Gemstone Polishing Workers

Background: Many researchers have stated that workers working in unorganized sectors are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), like back pain, wrist pain, pain in the neck and shoulders, etc. Ergonomic study of these workstations is necessary for the analysis of workrelated disorders. Methods: In this study on MSDs among gemstone workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan; a modified Nordic questionnaire was employed. Further analysis was done using the 'Ergonomic Design and Analysis’ module of DELMIA. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) analysis was used. Results: The survey showed lower back pain among 81.25% of workers. Neck pain, hips or thigh pain, and ankle or feet pain were observed among nearly half of the surveyed workers, leading to further investigation. RULA analysis confirmed the results of the survey; the final RULA score came out to be 7. This score means investigation and changes are needed immediately. The workstation was designed using standard anthropometric data for the Indian population and modeled in CATIA. The modified workstation was analyzed using DELMIA, which has shown a RULA score of 3. Conclusion: The survey results and RULA analysis in DELMIA of gemstone polishing workers have shown that gemstone polishing is a highly risky profession. Musculoskeletal risk factors, like low back pain, neck pain, and wrist pain, have also been found to be present among the workers. The gemstone polishing workstation needs design interventions using Indian anthropometric data to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. RULA analysis of an anthropometrically modified workstation showed the modified workstation to be ergonomically fit.