A support system for mentors of novice entrepreneurs

In this study we present online software to rapidly assess the impact of mentoring techniques on a novice entrepreneur. We have built a prototype that collects data from team members in less than five minutes and that automatically returns a diagnostic analysis to the mentor. Between 2012 and 2015 we have tested three versions of our prototype with longitudinal analyses of teams attending startup weekend competitions, to confirm that our prototype supports mentors with few and yet relevant information. The results of our studies open several avenues of research regarding rapid diagnostic of project teams, whereas, from a practical point of view, our prototype entirely done with Google Docs can be easily used by anyone interested in entrepreneurship education. Keywords: Entrepreneurship education, effectuation, mentoring, decision support, design science.

Visual functioning and quality of life in the subfoveal radiotherapy study (SFRADS): SFRADS report 2

Aims: To determine whether or not self reported visual functioning and quality of life in patients with choroidal neovascularisation caused by age related macular degeneration (AMD) is better in those treated with 12 Gy external beam radiotherapy in comparison with untreated subjects. Methods: A multicentre single masked randomised controlled trial of 12 Gy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivered as 6x2 Gy fractions to the macula of an affected eye versus observation. Patients with AMD, aged 60 years or over, in three UK hospital units, who had subfoveal CNV and a visual acuity equal to or better than 6/60 (logMAR 1.0). Methods: Data from 199 eligible participants who were randomly assigned to 12 Gy teletherapy or observation were available for analysis. Visual function assessment, ophthalmic examination, and fundus fluorescein angiography were undertaken at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after study entry. To assess patient centred outcomes, subjects were asked to complete the Daily Living Tasks Dependent on Vision (DLTV) and the SF-36 questionnaires at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months after enrolment to the study. Cross sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted using arm of study as grouping variable. Regression analysis was employed to adjust for the effect of baseline co-variates on outcome at 12 months and 24 months. Results: Both control and treated subjects had significant losses in visual functioning as seen by a progressive decline in mean scores in the four dimensions of the DLTV. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment and control subjects in any of dimensions of the DLTV at 12 months or 24 months after study entry. Regression analysis confirmed that treatment status had no effect on the change in DLTV dimensional scores. Conclusions: The small benefits noted in clinical measures of vision in treated eyes did not translate into better self reported visual functioning in patients who received treatment when compared with the control arm. These findings have implications for the design of future clinical trials and studies.

Identifying early signs of aggression: psychometric properties of the cardiff infant contentiousness scale

Our aim was to develop an age-appropriate measure of early manifestations of aggression. We constructed a questionnaire about normative developmental milestones into which a set of items measuring infants’ use of physical force against people and expressed anger were included. These items comprise the Cardiff Infant Contentiousness Scale (CICS). Evidence for the reliability and validity of the CICS is provided from analyses of a sample of N5310 British infants, assessed at a mean age of 6 months as part of a larger longitudinal study of the development of aggression. The informants’ CICS ratings demonstrated reasonable levels of internal consistency and interrater agreement. Informants’ ratings were validated by observations of infants’ distress in response to restraint in a car seat. Longitudinal analyses revealed that contentiousness was stable over time and that contentiousness at 6 months predicted infants’ later use of force with peers. When used in the company of other methods, the simple four-item CICS scale could serve as a useful screen for early manifestations of aggressiveness in human infants.

Serum Inflammatory Markers and Preeclampsia in Type 1 Diabetes:A prospective study

OBJECTIVE Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction have been associated with the immunobiology of preeclampsia (PE), a significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The prevalence of PE is elevated several fold in the presence of maternal type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Although cross-sectional studies of pregnancies among women without diabetes have shown altered inflammatory markers in the presence of PE, longitudinal studies of diabetic women are lacking. In maternal serum samples, we examined the temporal associations of markers of inflammation with the subsequent development of PE in women with T1DM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted longitudinal analyses of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), adhesion molecules, and cytokines during the first (mean ± SD, 12.2 ± 1.9 weeks), second (21.6 ± 1.5 weeks), and third (31.5 ± 1.7 weeks) trimesters of pregnancy (visits 1-3, respectively). All study visits took place before the onset of PE. Covariates were BMI, HbA1c, age of onset, duration of diabetes, and mean arterial pressure. RESULTS In women with T1DM who developed PE versus those who remained normotensive, CRP tended to be higher at visits 1 (P = 0.07) and 2 (P = 0.06) and was significantly higher at visit 3 (P <0.05); soluble E-selectin and interferon-?-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) were significantly higher at visit 3; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and eotaxin were higher and lower, respectively, at visit 2 (all P <0.05). These conclusions persisted following adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS In pregnant women with T1DM, elevated CRP, soluble E-selectin, IL-1ra, and IP-10 and lower eotaxin were associated with subsequent PE. The role of inflammatory factors as markers and potential mechanisms of the high prevalence of PE in T1DM merits further investigation.

Emotional insecurity in the family and community and youth delinquency in Northern Ireland: A person-oriented analysis across five-waves

Background: Over one billion children are exposed worldwide to political violence and armed conflict. Currently, conclusions about bases for adjustment problems are qualified by limited longitudinal research from a process-oriented, social-ecological perspective. In this study, we examined a theoretically-based model for the impact of multiple levels of the social ecology (family, community) on adolescent delinquency. Specifically, this study explored the impact of children’s emotional insecurity about both the family and community on youth delinquency in Northern Ireland. Methods: In the context of a five-wave longitudinal research design, participants included 999 mother-child dyads in Belfast (482 boys, 517 girls), drawn from socially-deprived, ethnically-homogenous areas that had experienced political violence. Youth ranged in age from 10 to 20 and were 12.18 (SD = 1.82) years old on average at Time 1. Findings: The longitudinal analyses were conducted in hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), allowing for the modeling of inter-individual differences in intra-individual change. Intra-individual trajectories of emotional insecurity about the family related to children’s delinquency. Greater insecurity about the community worsened the impact of family conflict on youth’s insecurity about the family, consistent with the notion that youth’s insecurity about the community sensitizes them to exposure to family conflict in the home. Conclusions: The results suggest that ameliorating children’s insecurity about family and community in contexts of political violence is an important goal toward improving adolescents’ well-being, including reduced risk for delinquency.

Improving allied health professionals' research implementation behaviours for children with cerebral palsy: protocol for a before-after study

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is a permanent disorder of posture and movement caused by disturbances in the developing brain. It affects approximately 1 in every 500 children in developed countries and is the most common form of childhood physical disability. People with cerebral palsy may also have problems with speech, vision and hearing, intellectual difficulties and epilepsy. Health and therapy services are frequently required throughout life, and this care should be effective and evidence informed; however, accessing and adopting new research findings into day-to-day clinical practice is often delayed.

METHODS/DESIGN: This 3-year study employs a before and after design to evaluate if a multi-strategy intervention can improve research implementation among allied health professionals (AHPs) who work with children and young people with cerebral palsy and to establish if children's health outcomes can be improved by routine clinical assessment. The intervention comprises (1) knowledge brokering with AHPs, (2) access to an online research evidence library, (3) provision of negotiated evidence-based training and education, and (4) routine use of evidence-based measures with children and young people aged 3-18 years with cerebral palsy. The study is being implemented in four organisations, with a fifth organisation acting as a comparison site, across four Australian states. Effectiveness will be assessed using questionnaires completed by AHPs at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months, and by monitoring the extent of use of evidence-based measures. Children's health outcomes will be evaluated by longitudinal analyses.

DISCUSSION: Government, policy makers and service providers all seek evidence-based information to support decision-making about how to distribute scarce resources, and families are seeking information to support intervention choices. This study will provide knowledge about what constitutes an efficient, evidence-informed service and which allied health interventions are implemented for children with cerebral palsy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial is not a controlled healthcare intervention and is not registered.

Investigating active transportation to and from school : identification of predictors and health benefits

Funding support for this doctoral thesis has been provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Public Health Agency of Canada, QICSS matching grant, and la Faculté des études supérieures et postdoctorales-Université de Montréal.

Le redoublement, la réussite scolaire et l’objectif de la Scolarisation Primaire Universelle (SPU) d’ici à 2015 dans le cadre de l’Éducation Pour Tous (EPT) : cas du Sénégal à partir des données longitudinales du PASEC

L’Éducation Pour Tous mobilise la communauté internationale et les gouvernements depuis 1990. Cet engagement global renouvelé en 2000 sous l’auspice de l’UNESCO puis des Nations-Unies, porte notamment sur un objectif de base : l’universalisation de la scolarisation primaire complète pour tous les enfants d’âge scolaire à l’horizon de 2015. Plusieurs études sur la réalisation de cet objectif montrent que les pays en développement sont les plus à risque et que les progrès accomplis dans la plupart de ces pays, pourraient être plus importants si la pratique du redoublement faisait davantage l’objet de régulation et de contrôle. Cela contribuerait à améliorer la réussite scolaire et accroître la rétention des élèves au sein des systèmes éducatifs. La pratique du redoublement est en effet une tradition dans plusieurs systèmes éducatifs. Elle est particulièrement prépondérante dans certains groupes de pays ou régions, notamment en Afrique francophone au sud du Sahara. Dans ces pays, le PASEC - Programme d’Analyse des Systèmes Éducatifs de la CONFEMEN (Conférence des Ministres de l’Éducation Nationale des pays ayant le français en partage) - œuvre à améliorer l’accès à une éducation de qualité pour tous, par exemple, en informant les politiques sur la situation nationale du redoublement. Cette recherche sur le redoublement, la réussite scolaire et l’objectif de la Scolarisation Primaire Universelle (SPU) privilégie la dimension pédagogique, l’analyse empirique et étudie le cas du Sénégal. Elle présente et discute les indicateurs internationaux de suivi de l’objectif de la SPU, fait le point de l’état des connaissances sur le redoublement et la réussite scolaire et montre le défi que représente la réalisation de l’objectif de la SPU notamment dans les pays francophones d’Afrique sub-Saharienne. Exploitant les données existantes de l’enquête longitudinale de suivi de cohorte du PASEC au Sénégal entre 1995 et 2000, cette recherche examine le parcours scolaire des élèves en vue de la réalisation de l’objectif de la SPU. L’examen effectué combine des approches d’analyse transversale et longitudinale du redoublement et des apprentissages par rapport aux caractéristiques personnelles, familiales et scolaires de l’élève. Les résultats d’analyse montrent des variabilités, notamment par rapport aux caractéristiques personnelles de l’élève et à celles de sa classe et de son milieu de scolarisation. L’analyse longitudinale du redoublement s’est appuyée sur le diagramme de flux scolaire et a permis de produire un ensemble d’indicateurs d’efficacité interne du système éducatif du Sénégal. Pour la cohorte étudiée, du fait de l’importance des redoublements et des abandons scolaires, il faut en moyenne 9,4 années de scolarité pour que l’élève progresse du deuxième au sixième (dernier) grade du primaire. Seulement 39% de l’effectif de la cohorte survivent au dernier grade ce qui suggère que si cette tendance se maintenait, le Sénégal serait à risque de ne pas réaliser l’objectif de la SPU. Une évaluation de la situation courante à partir de données plus récentes serait requise. Le diagramme de flux scolaire constitue un outil de planification de l’éducation et représente de ce fait un important levier aux mains des autorités politiques pour agir sur les paramètres du système éducatif (paramètres liés à la qualité de l’éducation, à l’efficacité interne, etc.) afin de répondre à des objectifs spécifiques ou d’étapes pouvant conduire, par exemple, à la réalisation de l’objectif de la SPU.

Malnutrition, VIH et traitement antirétroviral dans les pays à ressources limitées

Introduction : Depuis les années 2000, la distribution du traitement antirétroviral hautement actif (TARVHA) dans les pays à bas et moyens revenus (PBMR) s’est accélérée. Dans ces milieux, l’épidémie du VIH s’est superposée à des conditions préexistantes de malnutrition. Le VIH et la malnutrition forment un cycle vicieux qui contribue à la détérioration des fonctions immunitaires et de l’état nutritionnel. Malgré l’accès au traitement, la malnutrition persiste comme déterminant de la progression de la maladie et de la mortalité chez les séropositifs. Par ailleurs, peu de données existent concernant les trajectoires et déterminants des statuts nutritionnels et immunologiques chez les patients débutant le TARVHA. Objectifs : Documenter les défis méthodologiques associés à la recherche nutritionnelle chez les personnes vivants avec le VIH (PVVIH) dans les PBMR. Investiguer les déterminants et trajectoires du statut nutritionnel à l’initiation et en cours du TARVHA. Investiguer l’association entre les fonctions immunologiques à l’initiation et au cours de la première année de TARVHA selon le statut nutritionnel. Méthodologie: Dans le cadre de la cohorte ATARAO (Mali), 250 PVVIH adultes naïfs au TARVHA ont été recrutés et suivis pendant 12 mois suite à l’initiation du traitement. Les données obtenues ont été jumelées à celles d’une étude prospective similaire provenant du Sénégal (n=372). Des analyses transversales et longitudinales ont été entreprises pour évaluer les covariables de la malnutrition à l’initiation et en cours de traitement. Parallèlement, la fiabilité des mesures anthropométriques collectées dans le cadre de la cohorte ATARAO a été documentée lors de deux sous-études. Finalement, une revue systématique de la littérature a été complétée pour investiguer la réponse immunologique selon le statut nutritionnel à l’initiation et en cours de traitement chez les PVVIH traités. Résultats: Seules les mesures de la taille et du poids se sont révélées fiables et ont pu être utilisées dans nos analyses prospectives. Le traitement a permis une amélioration initiale de l’état nutritionnel chez une majorité de patients. Par contre, ses effets ont atteint un plateau après 6 à 9 mois. Un an plus tard, la malnutrition persistait chez plusieurs patients vivants et actifs (entre 7 et 29 % selon la population et l’indicateur nutritionnel). Comme observé dans nos cohortes et revue systématique, l’attrition était fortement associée à la malnutrition. Par ailleurs, il n’existe pas de relation claire entre le statut immunologique et la malnutrition pré- ou post-HAART. La qualité et la quantité des évidences recensées ne nous permettent pas de tirer de conclusions définitives. Conclusions : Les évidences collectées suggèrent l’existence d’une association transversale et longitudinale entre les statuts nutritionnels et immunologiques chez les patients traités. Cependant, cette association ne fait pas consensus. L’état de la littérature ne nous permet pas de nous prononcer quant à l’impact de la malnutrition sur les fonctions immunologiques à l’initiation et eu cours de la première année de TARVHA. Les difficultés méthodologiques associées à la mesure de l’état nutritionnel ainsi que la forte attrition des patients malnutris suite à la mise sous traitement compliquent l’investigation de cette relation.

Cathepsin S as a biomarker of low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic disease risk

Cathepsin S is a protease important in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presentation and also in degrading the extracellular matrix. Studies, most of them experimental, have shown that cathepsin S is involved in different pathological conditions such as obesity, inflammation, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer.    The overall hypothesis of this report is that high levels of circulating cathepsin S, is a biomarker that reflects pathology induced by inflammation and obesity. The overall aim of this report was to investigate possible associations between circulating cathepsin S, inflammation, glucometabolic disturbance, and its associated diseases in the community. As cathepsin S appears to be a novel risk marker for several pathological conditions, we also wanted to examine the effect of dietary intervention on circulating cathepsin S concentrations.    This thesis is based on data from three community-based cohorts, the Uppsala longitudinal study of adult men (ULSAM), the prospective investigation of the vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS), and a post-hoc study from the randomized controlled NORDIET trial.    In the first study, we identified a cross-sectional positive association between serum cathepsin S and two markers of cytokine-mediated inflammation, CRP and IL-6. These associations were similar in non-obese individuals. In longitudinal analyses, higher cathepsin S at baseline was associated with higher CRP and IL-6 levels after six years of follow-up. In the second study, we identified a cross-sectional association between increased serum levels of cathepsin S and reduced insulin sensitivity. These associations were similar in non-obese individuals. No significant association was observed between cathepsin S and insulin secretion. In longitudinal analysis, higher cathepsin S levels were associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes during the six-year follow-up. In the third study, we found that higher serum levels of cathepsin S were associated with increased mortality risk. Moreover, in the ULSAM cohort, serum cathepsin S was independently associated with cause-specific mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. In the fourth study, we identified that adherence to an ad libitum healthy Nordic diet for 6 weeks slightly decreased the levels of plasma cathepsin S in normal or marginally overweight individuals, relative to the control group. Changes in circulating cathepsin S concentrations were correlated with changes in body weight, LDL-C, and total cholesterol.    Conclusion: This thesis shows that circulating cathepsin S is a biomarker that independently reflects inflammation, insulin resistance, the risk of developing diabetes, and mortality risk. Furthermore, a Nordic diet moderately reduced cathepsin S levels in normal-weight and overweight men and women. This effect may be partially mediated by diet-induced weight loss and possibly by reduced LDL-C concentrations. 

Factors associated with evidence-based practice among registered nurses in Sweden : a national cross-sectional study

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is emphasized to increase the quality of care and patient safety. EBP is often described as a process consisting of distinct activities including, formulating questions, searching for information, compiling the appraised information, implementing evidence, and evaluating the resulting practice. To increase registered nurses' (RNs') practice of EBP, variables associated with such activities need to be explored. The aim of the study was to examine individual and organizational factors associated with EBP activities among RNs 2 years post graduation. Methods: A cross-sectional design based on a national sample of RNs was used. Data were collected in 2007 from a cohort of RNs, included in the Swedish Longitudinal Analyses of Nursing Education/Employment study. The sample consisted of 1256 RNs (response rate 76%). Of these 987 RNs worked in healthcare at the time of the data collection. Data was self-reported and collected through annual postal surveys. EBP activities were measured using six single items along with instruments measuring individual and work-related variables. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: Associated factors were identified for all six EBP activities. Capability beliefs regarding EBP was a significant factor for all six activities (OR = 2.6 - 7.3). Working in the care of older people was associated with a high extent of practicing four activities (OR = 1.7 - 2.2). Supportive leadership and high collective efficacy were associated with practicing three activities (OR = 1.4 - 2.0). Conclusions: To be successful in enhancing EBP among newly graduated RNs, strategies need to incorporate both individually and organizationally directed factors.

The kidney in different stages of the cardiovascular continuum

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The complex, interaction between the kidney and the cardiovascular system is incompletely understood, particularly at the early stages of the cardiovascular continuum. The overall aim of this thesis was to clarify novel aspects of the interplay between the kidney and the cardiovascular system at different stages of the cardiovascular continuum; from risk factors such as insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress, via sub-clinical cardiovascular damage such as endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular dysfunction, to overt cardiovascular death. This thesis is based on two community-based cohorts of elderly, Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM) and Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS). The first study, show that higher insulin sensitivity, measured with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was associated to improve estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in participants with normal fasting plasma glucose, normal glucose tolerance and normal eGFR. In longitudinal analyses, higher insulin sensitivity at baseline was associated with lower risk of impaired renal function during follow-up. In the second study, eGFR was inversely associated with different inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, serum amyloid A) and positively associated with a marker of oxidative stress (urinary F2-isoprostanes). In line with this, the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was positively associated with these inflammatory markers, and negatively associated with oxidative stress. In study three, higher eGFR was associated with better endothelial function as assessed by the invasive forearm model. Further, in study four, higher eGFR was significantly associated with higher left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction). The 5th study of the thesis shows that higher urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and lower eGFR was independently associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality. Analyses of global model fit, discrimination, calibration, and reclassification suggest that UAER and eGFR add relevant prognostic information beyond established cardiovascular risk factors in participants without prevalent cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: this thesis show that the interaction between the kidney and the cardiovascular system plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease and that this interplay begins at an early asymptomatic stage of the disease process.

Association between levels of pentraxin 3 and incidence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly

OBJECTIVE: Higher levels of the novel inflammatory marker pentraxin 3 (PTX3) predict cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Yet, whether PTX3 predicts worsening of kidney function has been less well studied. We therefore investigated the associations between PTX3 levels, kidney disease measures and CKD incidence. METHODS: Cross-sectional associations between serum PTX3 levels, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and cystatin C-estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed in two independent community-based cohorts of elderly subjects: the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS, n = 768, 51% women, mean age 75 years) and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, n = 651, mean age 77 years). The longitudinal association between PTX3 level at baseline and incident CKD (GFR <60 mL( ) min(-1)  1.73 m(-) ²) was also analysed (number of events/number at risk: PIVUS 229/746, ULSAM 206/315). RESULTS: PTX3 levels were inversely associated with GFR [PIVUS: B-coefficient per 1 SD increase -0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.23 to -0.10, P < 0.001; ULSAM: B-coefficient per 1 SD increase -0.09, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.01, P < 0.05], but not ACR, after adjusting for age, gender, C-reactive protein and prevalent cardiovascular disease in cross-sectional analyses. In longitudinal analyses, PTX3 levels predicted incident CKD after 5 years in both cohorts [PIVUS: multivariable odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.45, P < 0.05; ULSAM: multivariable OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.77, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Higher PTX3 levels are associated with lower GFR and independently predict incident CKD in elderly men and women. Our data confirm and extend previous evidence suggesting that inflammatory processes are activated in the early stages of CKD and drive impairment of kidney function. Circulating PTX3 appears to be a promising biomarker of kidney disease.

Family, school, peer and individual influences on early adolescent alcohol use: first-year impact of the Resilient Families programme

Introduction and Aims:  This study aimed to examine: (a) the influence of family factors relative to school, peer and individual influences on the development of adolescent alcohol use during the first year of secondary school; and (b) the feasibility of preventing adolescent alcohol use by modifying family factors. Design and Methods:  Twenty-four schools in Melbourne, Australia were randomly assigned to either the 'Resilient Families' intervention or a control condition. A baseline cohort of 2315 grade 7 students (mean age 12.3 years) were followed-up one year later (n = 2128 for longitudinal analyses). A sub-set of parents (n = 1166) also returned baseline surveys. Results: The prevalence of lifetime alcohol use in year 7 was 33% and rose to 47% by year 8. Student-reported predictors of year 8 alcohol use included baseline alcohol [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.64] and tobacco use (2.68), and school friend's alcohol (1.41) and tobacco use (1.64). After adjusting for other influences, student-reported family factors were not maintained as significant predictors of year 8 alcohol use. Parent-report predictors of student-reported alcohol use included allowing alcohol use in the home (2.55), parental alcohol use (1.88) and child hyperactivity (1.85). Protective factors included attendance at brief parent education (0.60) and parent involvement in school education (0.65). Discussion and Conclusions: The intervention appeared to benefit education-related outcomes, but no overall effect in reducing student alcohol use was found in year 8. Intervention effects on alcohol misuse may become significant in later secondary school once the entire program has been implemented. Considerable alcohol use was detected in early secondary school,   suggesting that interventions to reduce alcohol use may be usefully implemented prior to this period.

Geelong Osteoporosis Study Health Database

The database contains the following clinical, questionnaire and socio-demographic data suitable for cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses:
-Body composition: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measures of the lumbar spine (posterior-anterior projection), proximal femur, whole body and forearm (ultradistal forearm and distal 33%)
-Other clinical assessments: body weight, height, arm span, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, visual acuity, muscle strength, functional reach test and timed ‘up-&-go’ test.
-Mental health: Major axis psychiatric disorders diagnosed using a Structured Clinical Interview.
-Blood and urine collections: blood and urine collected after an overnight fast.
-Questionnaires: exposure to disease, use of medications and supplements, diet, mobility, physical activity, sleep, sun exposure, falls and fractures, alcohol and tobacco use, reproductive history, family history of fractures and disease, quality of life, pain, anxiety and depression.
-Socio-demographics: Country of birth, ethnicity, marital status, education, housing and employment status, occupation, socioeconomic Index for Areas (SEIFA) scores.