Random Sample Of Participants Research Articles

Main competencies of future coaches: investigation and effectiveness of development within the tuning project in higher education in China

BackgroundThe purpose of this article is to study the core competencies of future coaches, as well as the effectiveness of their development under the conditions of the Tuning Project in higher education in China.MethodsA survey was conducted in three groups using a random sample of participants (96 student-athletes, 29 teachers and 35 employers of the School of Physical Education of Chongqing University) created by the authors to assess 30 competencies included in the Tuning Project and correlations between the groups’ assessments were examined.ResultsAccording to the ranking and rating results of 30 competencies included in the Tuning Project, there were significant differences between the answers of these three clusters. The competence “Ability to apply knowledge in practice” had the highest correlation of the results in all the clusters of the respondents (students, teachers, employers) for both importance (0.2976) and effectiveness (0.2845). “Problem-solving skills” – (0.2453) and “Will to succeed” – (0.2152) were the next two competencies that the respondents had rated highly according to the both evaluation criteria.ConclusionsThis paper can be used for further studies of the Tuning Project in the educational processes of China, in particular, in higher sports education.

A hierarchical signal detection model with unequal variance for binary responses.

Gaussian signal detection models with equal variance are commonly used in simple yes-no detection and discrimination tasks whereas more flexible models with unequal variance require additional information. Here, a hierarchical Bayesian model with equal variance is extended to an unequal-variance model by exploiting variability of hit and false-alarm rates in a random sample of participants. This hierarchical model is investigated analytically, in simulations and in applications to existing data sets. The results suggest that signal variance and other parameters can be accurately estimated if plausible assumptions are met. It is concluded that the model provides a promising alternative to the ubiquitous equal-variance model for binary data.

Assistance in preparing financial reports for houses of worship with ISAK 35 standards in Sorong

Houses of worship in Sorong City have not recorded financial reports according to standards and carry out bookkeeping using manual recording. Therefore, this activity aims to provide assistance in preparing financial reports for places of worship with the ISAK 35 standard. The method of implementing the service is carried out by giving presentations accompanied by direct interactive discussions between the implementing lecturer team and participants who come from members of the Religious Communication Forum in Sorong City. There are 30 partners involved in community service, consisting of 2 students, 3 lecturers, 5 administrators each of places of worship (churches, temples, mosques and monasteries) and 5 partners who assist in broadcasting worship. Based on the results of observations and interviews conducted by the service team using random sampling of participants, it can be concluded that implementing community service can provide new insights and knowledge for participants regarding the preparation of financial reports and an understanding of the importance of accurate and accountable reports. By taking part in assistance in preparing financial reports, apart from listening to explanations in preparing financial reports, the participants also held discussions regarding the obstacles faced in managing funds and reporting that is appropriate and easy to understand by users of financial reports and technology.

Exploring Myocardial Infarction Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Among Mogadishu's Somali Residents.

Myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease are significant global health issues, particularly in Somalia. The Somali population faces challenges due to armed conflict, limited education, and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure. Cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are prevalent, and Somali people face increased susceptibility. This study examined Somalia residents' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards myocardial infarction using a cross-sectional paper-based questionnaire. The sample consisted of 313 urban residents in Mogadishu, aged 20 and above. The questionnaire was written in Somali and was designed for the demographic. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were categorized into two groups, with associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice with sociodemographic and health characteristics assessed using Logistic Regression. This study analyzed data from A random sample of participants who arrived at the hospital for various reasons regarding their perceptions, attitudes, and responses towards myocardial infarction. The mean age was 42 ±19 years, with 54% being male and 46% female. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, followed by dyslipidemia and diabetes. Over half of the respondents had no formal education, and only 3.8% had a smoking history. About 5.7% had a previous history of myocardial infarction. The mean knowledge score was 11.07 ± 0.697, with 53.35% of respondents not knowing enough about myocardial infarction. The majority of the patients showed a favorable attitude, but only a slight majority could recognize symptoms of myocardial infarction. The majority of the patients had inadequate practice and behavior, with 53.6% not practicing regularly or engaging in sports. The research highlights gaps in Mogadishu's Somali community's knowledge and practices regarding myocardial infarction. It emphasizes the need for health education, primary care, and community involvement to improve cardiovascular health awareness and reduce MI incidence.

Gout Knowledge: A Survey of Australian Outpatients with Gout.

The prevalence of gout has increased in the Western societies due to ageing and increasing BMI. Recently, lifestyle and dietary factors have been linked in epidemiological studies with an alteration of the risk of gout; however, there remains a lack of data on patient knowledge of these factors. The purpose of this survey-based study was to determine the knowledge of gout and its treatment both in the community and specialist care settings. Participants were recruited from a hospital rheumatology outpatient department, consumer organization and a random sample of participants from a population-based cohort who had self-reported gout in South Australia. Participants completed a survey regarding basic demographics, the Single Item Literacy Screener, use of medication and diet for treatment of their gout and knowledge of gout. Seventy-four people were recruited (87% male) with a mean age of 66 years (range 35-88). The mean duration of gout was 16.6 years (range 0-60). On screening with SILS, 19.0% were identified as having limited reading ability. Most gout was managed by the family practitioner (81.1%) and/or rheumatologist (18.9%). In regard to current gout medications, 52.7% were taking allopurinol, 17.6% colchicine, 9.5% non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 6.8% prednisolone and 5.4% herbal preparations. For further information regarding gout, participants would most commonly approach their general practitioner (85.1%). Most participants correctly identified certain triggers to gout attacks and almost half of participants (41.9%) reported that they had altered their diet due to gout. Conversely, participants often incorrectly identified common risk or protective factors for gout. Gout remains a common, yet undertreated, chronic condition. Our study highlights a lack of knowledge amongst patients of risk and protective factors in relation to gout. The increasing prevalence of gout within the population indicates a need to improve education and understanding among those with the condition.

Retrospective cohort study investigating synergism of air pollution and corticosteroid exposure in promoting cardiovascular and thromboembolic events in older adults

ObjectiveTo evaluate the synergistic effects created by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and corticosteroid use on hospitalisation and mortality in older adults at high risk for cardiovascular thromboembolic events (CTEs).Design and...

Patients With Serious Mental Illness Can Engage in Tobacco Treatment Trials and Tobacco Cessation Interventions During Cancer Treatment.

More than half of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) smoke, contributing to premature cancer mortality. A cancer diagnosis provides an opportunity to assist with smoking cessation; however, supportive oncology trials frequently exclude patients with SMI. To fill this gap, we examined differences in engagement and tobacco cessation in a pragmatic clinical trial. We recruited 303 participants from two National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, of which 10% had prior diagnoses of SMI (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders). We compared self-reported smoking behaviors, patient attitudes and beliefs about cessation, and rates of trial completion, engagement, and smoking abstinence among recently diagnosed patients with cancer with and without SMI. Six months after trial completion, we completed qualitative interviews on barriers and facilitators to tobacco cessation in a random sample of participants with SMI. Trial participants with SMI had similar motivation to quit smoking as those without SMI. Additionally, participants with SMI had a similar ability to engage in a tobacco treatment trial (6.5 counseling sessions completed v 7.3 sessions) and benefit from tobacco treatment as those without SMI (32.3% v 27.8% 6-month quit rates). Patients with cancer and SMI were able to engage in and benefit from a tobacco cessation trial integrated into cancer care. A cancer diagnosis provides an opportunity to assist patients with SMI with smoking cessation referrals and treatment. Pragmatic supportive oncology trials that include a diverse population of adults with SMI are needed to inform care delivery and improve cancer outcomes for patients with SMI and cancer.

Lessons Learned From the Public Health Workforce's Experiences With the COVID-19 Response

Limited research is available on the COVID-19 response experiences of local, state, and federal public health workers in the United States. Although the response to COVID-19 is still presenting challenges to the public health workforce, public health systems must also begin to consider lessons learned that can be applied to future disasters. During July and August 2021, a random sample of participants from a cross-sectional study of the public health workforce was invited to participate in interviews to obtain information on the current state of public health operations, the ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis, and takeaways for improving future preparedness and response planning. Interviews were transcribed and inductively coded to identify themes. Twenty-four initial interview invitations were sent, and random substitutions were made until thematic saturation was reached when 17 interviews were completed. Four thematic categories were identified, including challenges related to (1) ongoing lack of political support or policy guidance; (2) fluctuations in, and uncertainty about, future funding and associated requirements; (3) job expectations, including remote work and data-sharing capabilities; and (4) the mental health toll of sustained response and related burnout. As the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues in its third year, it is crucial to identify lessons learned that can inform future investment in order to sustain a public health workforce and a public health preparedness and response system that is resilient to future disasters.

Changes in non-communicable diseases, diet and exercise in a rural Bangladesh setting before and after the first wave of COVID-19.

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is high in rural Bangladesh. Given the complex multi-directional relationships between NCDs, COVID-19 infections and control measures, exploring pandemic impacts in this context is important. We conducted two cross-sectional surveys of adults ≥30-years in rural Faridpur district, Bangladesh, in February to March 2020 (survey 1, pre-COVID-19), and January to March 2021 (survey 2, post-lockdown). A new random sample of participants was taken at each survey. Anthropometric measures included: blood pressure, weight, height, hip and waist circumference and fasting and 2-hour post-glucose load blood glucose. An interviewer-administered questionnaire included: socio-demographics; lifestyle and behavioural risk factors; care seeking; self-rated health, depression and anxiety assessments. Differences in NCDs, diet and exercise were compared between surveys using chi2 tests, logistic and linear regression; sub-group analyses by gender, age and socio-economic tertiles were conducted. We recruited 950 (72.0%) participants in survey 1 and 1392 (87.9%) in survey 2. The percentage of the population with hypertension increased significantly from 34.5% (95% CI: 30.7, 38.5) to 41.5% (95% CI: 38.2, 45.0; p-value = 0.011); the increase was more pronounced in men. Across all measures of self-reported health and mental health, there was a significant improvement between survey 1 and 2. For self-rated health, we observed a 10-point increase (71.3 vs 81.2, p-value = 0.005). Depression reduced from 15.3% (95% CI: 8.4, 26.1) to 6.0% (95% CI: 2.7, 12.6; p-value = 0.044) and generalised anxiety from 17.9% (95% CI: 11.3, 27.3) to 4.0% (95% CI: 2.0, 7.6; p-value<0.001). No changes in fasting blood glucose, diabetes status, BMI or abdominal obesity were observed. Our findings suggest both positive and negative health outcomes following COVID-19 lockdown in a rural Bangladeshi setting, with a concerning increase in hypertension. These findings need to be further contextualised, with prospective assessments of indirect effects on physical and mental health and care-seeking.

Diagnostic accuracy of the telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS) for the detection of dementia in primary care in the Netherlands

AbstractBackgroundDementia is underdiagnosed in primary care, partly due to limited time and lack of simple diagnostic tools. In the Netherlands, the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most frequently used diagnostic tool for cognitive screening in clinical practice. The MMSE has several limitations in primary care. The telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS), might be a simple and accurate alternative for cognitive screening, particularly when in‐person testing is not feasible.Methods810 community‐dwelling older people, aged 86.4 years (±2.4SD), with no dementia at baseline, recruited from the prevention of Dementia by Intensive Vascular care (preDIVA) observational extended (POE) trial, and were administered the TICS. Electronic health records of all participants with a TICS ≤30, and a random sample of participants with a TICS‐score &gt;30, were screened for the presence of a dementia diagnosis. Multiple imputation was performed to manage missing data and to correct for verification bias.Results19.1% (155/810) of participants had a TICS‐score ≤30, vs 82.1% (655/810) of participants with a TICS‐score &gt;30. Electronic health records reported 8.4% (13/154) of participants with TICS ≤30 had been diagnosed with dementia, versus none of the participants with a TICS‐score &gt;30. The optimal TICS cut‐off score of the imputed data was at ≤30, with a sensitivity of 86.9%, specificity of 94.9%, positive predictive value of 77.4%, negative predictive value 97.2%, and an area under the curve of 90.9% (95%CI=81.2‐90.9).ConclusionThe TICS seems to be a valid and reliable screening instrument for excluding dementia in primary care, particularly when face‐to‐face screening is not feasible. The ability of TICS to reach large numbers of people at low cost, could contribute to more efficient medical management in primary care.

Vitamin D supplementation and risk of falling: outcomes from the randomized, placebo-controlled D-Health Trial.

BackgroundFalls cause considerable morbidity and mortality in older people. It is unclear how vitamin D supplementation affects falls risk, particularly when taken at high doses. We sought to determine whether monthly high‐dose vitamin D supplementation reduces risk and incidence of falls.MethodsWe used data from the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled D‐Health Trial conducted in Australia. Between February 2014 and May 2015, 21 315 participants aged 60–84 years were randomized (1:1) to monthly doses of either 60 000 IU of colecalciferol or placebo for a maximum of 5 years. People who reported a history of osteomalacia, sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcaemia or kidney stones or who were taking >500 IU/day supplementary vitamin D were ineligible. Each year, we collected blood samples from ~450 randomly sampled participants from each trial arm and measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Falls, a prespecified tertiary outcome, were ascertained using annual surveys and, for a subset of participants, 3‐month falls diaries. The primary outcome for this analysis was any fall in the month before completing an annual survey. As part of our process to maintain blinding, we used random samples of participants (surveys, n = 16 000; diaries, n = 2400), with equal numbers per group. Participants with no outcome data were excluded. Following an intention‐to‐treat approach, we analysed outcomes using logistic, ordinal and negative binomial regression. Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12613000743763); registered 4 July 2013.ResultsMean treatment duration was 4.3 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.4 years). Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations during the trial were 114.8 (SD 30.3) nmol/L and 77.5 (SD 25.2) nmol/L in the vitamin D and placebo groups, respectively. Survey and diary analytic sets included 15 416 and 2200 participants, respectively; approximately half were randomized to vitamin D (surveys: 50.1%; diaries: 50.4%). Vitamin D had no effect on falling in the past month (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–1.10). There was an interaction with body mass index (BMI) (P‐interaction = 0.001); vitamin D increased risk in participants with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09–1.43), but there was no effect in those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87–1.04). Analyses of diary data were consistent with these findings. The incidence of hypercalcaemia and kidney stones did not differ between groups.ConclusionsMonthly high‐dose vitamin D supplementation did not reduce risk of falling. A possible increased risk of falling with vitamin D supplementation in people with normal BMI warrants further investigation.

Minority stress in consensually non-monogamous individuals: mental health implications

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is an area of increasing empirical and clinical interest. Few studies have explored the mental health of CNM individuals. Using the minority stress framework, we sought to address this gap. We analyzed a data set of college students gathered through the Healthy Minds Network. A sample of 91 participants with data fit for analyses were identified as CNM. Random samples of participants in other relationship structures were also selected yielding a total sample of n = 455. Results indicated CNM individuals are significantly more likely to identify as gender/sexual minorities, be significantly younger, and report significantly higher rates of emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, and depression compared to non-CNM individuals. CNM individuals did not differ from non-CNM individuals in terms of sex assigned at birth, race, and financial stress. When controlling for demographics, CNM individuals reported significantly higher depressive symptoms compared to those who were dating and married. Multinomial regression analysis with all significant covariates entered suggested CNM individuals have significantly higher odds of probable depression and history of sexual assault compared to those who were dating and married. We discuss areas for continued research as well as implications for clinicians working with CNM clients.

Higher Serum Urate Levels Are Associated With an Increased Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death.

To determine the association of serum urate (SU) levels with sudden cardiac death and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), separately, among adults without a history of CHD. We conducted a case-cohort analysis of Black and White participants aged ≥ 45 years enrolled in the REason for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study without a history of CHD at baseline between 2003 and 2007. Participants were followed for sudden cardiac death or incident CHD (i.e., myocardial infarction [MI] or death from CHD excluding sudden cardiac death) through December 31, 2013. Baseline SU was measured in a random sample of participants (n = 840) and among participants who experienced sudden cardiac death (n = 235) or incident CHD (n = 851) during follow-up. Participants with higher SU levels were older and more likely to be male or Black. The crude HR (95% CI) per 1 mg/dL higher SU level was 1.26 (1.14-1.40) for sudden cardiac death and 1.17 (1.09-1.26) for incident CHD. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and cardiovascular risk factors, the HR (95% CI) per 1 mg/dL higher SU level was 1.19 (1.03-1.37) for sudden cardiac death and 1.05 (0.96-1.15) for incident CHD. HRs for sudden cardiac death were numerically higher among participants aged 45-64 vs ≥ 65 years, without vs with diabetes, and among those of White vs Black race, although P values for effect modification were all ≥ 0.05. Higher SU levels were associated with an increased risk for sudden cardiac death but not with incident CHD.

Beyond Care: Validating a First Nations Mental Wellness Framework

Worldwide, Indigenous peoples focus on being well rather than merely managing diseases and illnesses. We have elaborated on a mental wellness framework earlier developed with Manitoba First Nations (FN). This article further explores wider community perspectives in relation to the themes previously shared by FN Elders. Surveys were administered to a simple random sample of participants by household in 8 participating FN communities. We determined what resonates from the wellness framework in order to expand understanding of mental wellness in FN communities. Appropriate application of traditional health knowledge and practices may result in increased self-awareness and contribute to mental well-being in FN people.

Weight Bias in Hiring

This study’s purpose was to assess the prevalence of weight bias in the hiring of female applicants among students attending Southern Methodist University. Weight bias in hiring for a CEO position was assessed in 87 total male and female participants by viewing one of two possible applicants’ resumés – one slim and one overweight female. Experience and qualifications for each resumé were identical, only the headshots differed. Participants saw either the overweight applicant or the slim applicant, after which they filled out a questionnaire that asked them to indicate whether they would hire the individual and state the reason for their decision. We found no significant difference between which applicant participants chose to hire. Gender did not predict which applicant participants were more likely to hire or reject. These findings contradicted our hypotheses. We had predicted that the overweight female applicant would have been hired less by participants, relative to the slim applicant. Additionally, we had predicted that this weight bias against the overweight female applicant would have a higher incidence in males. Similar studies going forward should focus on providing a truly random sample of participants and use clearer instructions to read to the participant. Experimenters should also consider using in-person interviews instead of resumés, and perhaps a larger sample size to determine if in fact there was a detectable effect present. Remaining limitations and explanations for the results will be presented in the discussion.

Electromyography-based Fatigue Assessment During Endurance Testing by Different Vibration Training Protocols

Objectives: This study presents a method of assessing muscle fatigue during endurance testing at 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) using electromyography (EMG) information as indirect indices of fatigability in the forearm muscles, namely, flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS); flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU); extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)." This study presents a method of assessing muscle fatigue during endurance testing at 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) using electromyography (EMG) information as indirect indices of fatigability in the forearm muscles, namely, flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS); flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU); extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). Methods: A randomized comparative experimental design was used during endurance test with 8 VT protocols; based on different combinations of vibration frequency (35 &amp; 45 Hz), amplitude (3±0.5g &amp; 9±0.5g), and exposure duration (30 &amp; 60 seconds), i.e., were given to the study participants for 4 days. A random sampling of participants was conducted from two groups (n=56/group), as follows: individuals with a Sedentary Lifestyle (SL) and a group of Construction Workers (CW). Results: Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) results indicated a significant increase in EMG rms, median frequency, waveform length, mean absolute value (P&lt;0.001), and the variance of EMG signal (P&lt;0.05) (except in ECU for the SL group and ECRB for the CW group on the variance of EMG signal) after VT in all muscles of both research groups. Therefore, an increase in the EMG parameter value after a grip endurance task revealing an elevation in EMG signal amplitude is indicative of muscle fiber fatigue. Furthermore, the strongest correlation was found between grip endurance and WL (r=0.471, P&lt;0.001), and EMG rms (r=0.401, P&lt;0.001) of the ECU muscle in the SL group only. Discussion: The patterns of EMG signal represented the amplitude and spectral parameters of the signal, enabling real-time fatigue analysis. Additionally, surface EMG information is useful for indirectly evaluating performance fatigue during the endurance test.

Measurement Precision and Efficiency of Computerized Adaptive Testing for the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale in People With Stroke.

Administrative burden often prevents clinical assessment of balance confidence in people with stroke. A computerized adaptive test (CAT) version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC CAT) can dramatically reduce this burden. The objective of this study was to test balance confidence measurement precision and efficiency in people with stroke with an ABC CAT. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, simulation study with data from 406 adults approximately 2 months post-stroke in the Locomotor-Experience Applied Post-Stroke trial. Item parameters for CAT calibration were estimated with the Rasch model using a random sample of participants (n=203). Computer simulation was used with response data from the remaining 203 participants to evaluate the ABC CAT algorithm under varying stopping criteria. We compared estimated levels of balance confidence from each simulation to actual levels predicted from the Rasch model (Pearson correlations and mean standard error [SE]). Results from simulations with number of items as a stopping criterion strongly correlated with actual ABC scores (full item, r=1, 12-item, r=0.994; 8-item, r=0.98; 4-item, r=0.929). Mean SE increased with decreasing number of items administered (full item, SE=0.31; 12 item, SE=0.33; 8 item, SE=0.38; 4 item, SE=0.49). A precision-based stopping rule (mean SE=0.5) also strongly correlated with actual ABC scores (r=0.941) and optimized the relationship between number of items administrated with precision (mean number of items 4.37, range [4-9]). An ABC CAT can determine accurate and precise measures of balance confidence in people with stroke with as few as 4 items. Individuals with lower balance confidence may require a greater number of items (up to 9) which could be attributed to the Locomotor-Experience Applied Post-Stroke trial excluding more functionally impaired persons. Computerized adaptive testing can drastically reduce the ABC test's administration time while maintaining accuracy and precision. This should greatly enhance clinical utility, facilitating adoption of clinical practice guidelines in stroke rehabilitation. If you have had a stroke, your physical therapist will likely test your balance confidence. A CAT version of the ABC scale can accurately identify balance with as few as 4 questions, which takes much less time.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on acute respiratory tract infection in older Australian adults: an analysis of data from the D-Health Trial

Observational studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with acute respiratory tract infection, but results from randomised controlled trials are heterogeneous. We analysed data from the D-Health Trial to determine whether supplementing older Australian adults, recruited from the general population, with monthly doses of vitamin D reduced the risk, duration, and severity of acute respiratory tract infections. We used data from the D-Health Trial, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of monthly vitamin D supplementation, for which acute respiratory infection was a pre-specified trial outcome. Participants were supplemented and followed for up to 5 years. The trial was set within the Australian general population, using the Commonwealth Electoral Roll as the sampling frame, but also allowing some volunteers to participate. Participants were men and women aged 60 to 79 years (with volunteers up to age 84 years). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either vitamin D or placebo (1:1) using computer-generated permuted block randomisation, which was stratified by age, sex, and state. This was an automated process and the assignment list was not visible to study staff or investigators. Active and placebo gel capsules, identical in appearance to ensure masking, were labelled A and B and the code was not available to study staff or investigators. Participants were asked to report occurrence of acute respiratory symptoms over the previous month via annual surveys, and a subset of participants completed 8-week respiratory symptom diaries in winter. As part of our process to maintain blinding, a random sample of participants was selected for analysis of survey data and a separate sample selected for analysis of diary data. Blood samples were obtained from a random sample of participants (about 450 per group per year) and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations were measured to monitor adherence. We used regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR), rate ratios, and rate differences. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12613000743763. Between Jan 13, 2014, and May 26, 2015, 421 207 invitations were sent, 40 824 people were interested in participating, and 21 315 participants were recruited and randomised. Of the 16 000 participants selected for potential analysis of survey data, 15 373 were included in the analysis; 295 in the vitamin D group and 332 in the placebo group who were missing data for all five annual surveys were excluded from the analysis. Of the 3800 selected for potential analysis of diary data, 3070 were invited to complete the diaries because 730 had already withdrawn. 2598 people were included in the analysis; 218 people in the vitamin D group and 254 in the placebo group were missing data and were therefore excluded from the analysis. In blood samples collected from randomly sampled participants throughout the trial, the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 114·8 (SD 30·3) nmol/L in the vitamin D group and 77·5 (25·2) nmol/L in the placebo group. Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infection (survey OR 0·98, 95% CI 0·93 to 1·02; diary OR 0·98, 0·83 to 1·15). Analyses of diary data showed reductions in the overall duration of symptoms and of severe symptoms, but these were small and unlikely to be clinically significant. Monthly bolus doses of 60 000 IU of vitamin D did not reduce the overall risk of acute respiratory tract infection, but could slightly reduce the duration of symptoms in the general population. These findings suggest that routine vitamin D supplementation of a population that is largely vitamin D replete is unlikely to have a clinically relevant effect on acute respiratory tract infection. National Health and Medical Research Council.

Jealousy in women with migraine: a cross-sectional case-control study

BackgroundEstrogen influences susceptibility to migraine attacks and it has been suggested to affect jealousy in romantic relationships in women. Therefore, we hypothesized that migraine women may be more jealous.MethodsJealousy levels and hormonal status were determined based on a cross-sectional, web-based, questionnaire study among female migraine patients and controls. A random sample of participants was selected from a validated migraine database. Participants with a serious and intimate monogamous relationship were included (n = 498) and divided into the following subgroups: menstrual migraine (n = 167), non-menstrual migraine (n = 103), postmenopausal migraine (n = 117), and premenopausal (n = 57) and postmenopausal (n = 54) controls. The primary outcome was the difference in mean jealousy levels between patients with menstrual migraine, non-menstrual migraine and premenopausal controls. Results were analyzed with a generalized linear model adjusting for age, relationship duration and hormonal status (including oral contraceptive use). Additionally, the difference in jealousy levels between postmenopausal migraine patients and controls was assessed. Previous research was replicated by evaluating the effect of combined oral contraceptives on jealousy.ResultsJealousy levels were higher in menstrual migraine patients compared to controls (mean difference ± SE: 3.87 ± 1.09, p = 0.001), and non-menstrual migraine patients compared to controls (4.98 ± 1.18, p < 0.001). No difference in jealousy was found between postmenopausal migraine patients and controls (− 0.32 ± 1.24, p = 0.798). Women using combined oral contraceptives were more jealous compared to non-users with a regular menstrual cycle (2.32 ± 1.03, p = 0.025).ConclusionYoung women with migraine are more jealous within a romantic partnership.

Abstract P110: High Serum Urate Levels are Associated With an Increased Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (regards) Study

Background: Higher serum urate (SU) levels were shown to causally increase the risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in a Mendelian randomization analysis of white adults, most of whom had coronary heart disease (CHD). It is unclear if these results are generalizable to more racially diverse adults without CHD. Objective: To assess the risk for SCD and incident CHD associated with SU levels in adults without a history of CHD using data from a large, population-based cohort of US black and white men and women ≥45 years of age, the REason for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Methods: We conducted a case-cohort analysis of REGARDS study participants without a history of CHD at baseline between 2003 and 2007. Participants were followed for SCD or incident CHD (i.e., myocardial infarction or CHD death excluding SCD) from baseline through December 31, 2013. Baseline SU levels were measured in a random sample of participants (n=840) and among 235 participants with SCD and 851 participants with incident CHD. Results: Participants with higher SU levels were older and more likely to be black and male. The crude hazard ratio (95%CI) per 1 mg/dL higher SU level was 1.26 (1.14, 1.40) for SCD and 1.17 (1.09, 1.26) for incident CHD. Analyses modeling SU levels using splines supported that these associations were linear. After multivariable adjustment, higher SU levels remained associated with an increased risk for SCD, but not for incident CHD ( Table ). There was no effect modification in the association of SU levels with SCD or incident CHD by either age, gender, race or chronic kidney disease. However, the increased risk for SCD associated with higher SU levels was present in whites but not among blacks. Limitations: The study has limited statistical power for subgroup comparisons. Race differences in the association between SU levels and SCD require further investigation. Conclusions: In adults without a history of CHD, higher SU levels appear to be an independent risk factor for SCD, but no association was detected with incident CHD.