Characterizing Inflammatory Cell Asthma Associated Phenotypes in Dental Health Workers Using Cytokine Profiling.

Cytokines elicit a pro-inflammatory response by modifying the airway microenvironment in patients with acute or chronic asthma. The expression pattern of several distinct cytokines could be a useful discriminator in asthma. This study aimed to identify asthma subject groupings based on common inflammatory patterns and to determine the relationship between these identified patterns and asthma-associated clinical indices.

Risk Factors of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Treated for Pneumonia at a Tertiary Care Centre in Switzerland.

Background: Little is known about risk factors upon hospital admission that are associated with in-hospital death of patients hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia. Identifying such factors may help to optimize the treatment and lower the mortality of these patients.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to characterize baseline characteristics of patients hospitalized for bacterial pneumonia in Switzerland and to identify risk factors associated with all-cause in-hospital mortality.

Mining laboratory data to describe prostate specific antigen testing and prostate cancer in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Introduction: guidelines issued by different organizations worldwide differ on the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer. However, no local data is available describing how PSA testing is offered by our healthcare facilities in the country. The objectives of this study were to describe PSA testing and subsequent prostate biopsy uptake in a South African urban population.

Alcohol use and sexual risk behaviour among men and women in inner-city Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background: Alcohol misuse is a key factor underlying the remarkable vulnerability to HIV infection among men and women in sub-Saharan Africa, especially within urban settings. Its effects, however, vary by type of drinking, population group and are modified by socio-cultural co-factors.

Methods: We interviewed a random sample of 1465 men living in single-sex hostels and 1008 women in adjacent informal settlements in inner-city, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Increased time-to-pregnancy is associated with domestic work in South Africa.

Background: The effects of female occupational exposures on fecundity have not been evaluated in South Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of three specific occupational groups on time-to-pregnancy (TTP).

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data, by means of a questionnaire, on 1210 women representative of a South African population, and sought information on: TTP for the most recent pregnancy, time-specific information on maternal factors and occupational exposures, as well as some paternal factors.

Maternal risk exposure during pregnancy and infant birth weight.

Background: Birth weight is an important determinant of an infant's immediate and future health.

Aim: This study examined associations between selected maternal psychosocial and environmental risk factors during pregnancy and subsequent infant birth weight, utilising data from the South African Birth to Twenty Plus (Bt20+) birth cohort study.

Subjects: Exposure to nine maternal risks were assessed in 1228 women who completed an antenatal questionnaire and whose infants were delivered within a seven-week period.

HIV prevalence and risk in long-distance truck drivers in South Africa: a national cross-sectional survey.

We estimated the prevalence of HIV and assessed correlates of HIV infection in long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Between October 2003 and July 2004, 1900 long-distance truck drivers aged ≥18 years consented to interview and for testing for HIV. Participants were selected from a 10% stratified random sample of registered truck depots.

Risk factors associated with asthma phenotypes in dental healthcare workers.

Background: Exposure in the dental environment can increase the risk of respiratory disease in dental healthcare workers (HCWs). This study investigated the prevalence of asthma phenotypes in dental HCWs and associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 454 dental HCWs in five dental institutions in South Africa was conducted.

Trends in lung cancer mortality in South Africa: 1995-2006.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In developing countries, data on lung cancer mortality are scarce.

Methods: Using South Africa's annual mortality and population estimates data, we calculated lung cancer age-standardised mortality rates for the period 1995 to 2006.

Time-to-pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in a South African population.

Background: Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) has never been studied in an African setting and there are no data on the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in South Africa. The study objectives were to measure TTP and the rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in South Africa, and to determine the reliability of the questionnaire tool.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional and applied systematic stratified sampling to obtain a representative sample of reproductive age women for a South African population.

Allergenicity of latex rubber products used in South African dental schools.

Background: Latex sensitisation is recognised as a health problem among health care workers (HCWs) using latex products. The aim of this study was to quantify specific latex allergens in latex devices used in South African academic dental schools. The current study also compared the total protein content and the levels of specific allergens in these products.

Workplace determinants of endotoxin exposure in dental healthcare facilities in South Africa.

Objectives: Aerosols generated during dental procedures have been reported to contain endotoxin as a result of bacterial contamination of dental unit water lines. This study investigated the determinants of airborne endotoxin exposure in dental healthcare settings.

Methods: The study population included dental personnel (n = 454) from five academic dental institutions in South Africa.