Epidemiology of basal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the U.K. 2013-15: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), together known as keratinocyte cancers (KCs), are the commonest cancer in white ethnic populations. Recent improvements to registry data collection in England has allowed more accurate analysis of the epidemiology of BCC and cSCC and for the first time we are able to provide an accurate (representative) tumour burden for KC in the U.K. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of BCC and cSCC in the U.K. METHODS: A cohort of patients with KCs between 2013 and 2015 were identified using linkage to diagnostic codes derived from pathology reports collected into the national cancer registry. Data from England's cancer registry were combined with data from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. European age-standardized incidence rates (EASRs) of the first BCC and cSCC per patient per annum (PPPA) were calculated. RESULTS: In the U.K, the EASR of the first BCC and cSCC PPPA in 2013-15 were 285 and 77 per 100 000 person years, respectively (211 120 KCs total in 2015). The mean annual percentage increase was 5% between 2013 and 2015 for both BCC and cSCC. By counting the first KC PPPA, we include an additional 51% KCs compared with the previous reporting technique which counts only the first BCC and cSCC in a patient's lifetime, yet it represents a probable underestimation of 5-11% of the true tumour count. CONCLUSIONS: Based on an improved methodology, a more representative incidence of KC is presented, which is essential to healthcare planning and will lead to improved understanding of the epidemiology of KC. What's already known about this topic? Keratinocyte cancers (KCs) are the most common cancers affecting white ethnic populations. The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is increasing worldwide including the U.K., most commonly in elderly male Caucasian patients. These cancers are traditionally substantially underreported and frequently excluded from national cancer statistics. What does this study add? Using improved data collection methods in England and validated tumour-reporting techniques, we report the most accurate BCC and cSCC incidence data for the U.K. ever published. Identifying the first BCC and cSCC per patient per annum, the incidence of BCC and cSCC in the U.K. (excluding Wales) was 285 and 77 per 100 000 person years, respectively, between 2013 and 2015, with more than 210 000 KCs in the U.K. in 2015.

Surveillance of community genital Chlamydia trachomatis testing in the East of England, 2008-2010.

BACKGROUND: Widespread testing for chlamydia is expected to result in a reduction in prevalence. In 2008, coverage indicators introduced by the Department of Health (DH) required collection and submission of all tests performed outside of genitourinary medicine clinics. No mechanism existed to collect community-based tests conducted outside of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. The Health Protection Agency Regional Epidemiology Unit in the East of England (EoE) set up a new system to routinely collect and submit these tests on behalf of the regional Primary Care Organizations (PCOs). METHODS: Testing data were requested from all laboratories commissioned to undertake chlamydia testing by EoE PCOs. Data were imported into a bespoke Structured Query Language server database and automated data processing routines were run. Data fulfilling national criteria were submitted for inclusion in the DH indicators. RESULTS: High-quality data were submitted to set deadlines with minimum impact on laboratories. Completeness of data variables varied by laboratory and by variable type. After complex data processing, 96% of laboratory reported tests in the 15-24 year age range were eligible for submission. CONCLUSIONS: This centralized method of data collection provides high-quality data, allowing for further analysis, which can be used to inform improvements in health care. These methods could be transferred to any of the hundreds of organisms for which similar laboratory data exist.

Biochemical characterization and sperm motility parameters of ostrich (Struthio camelus) semen.

The aim of the study was to obtain baseline values for biochemical parameters of ostrich seminal plasma and sperm motility parameters measured by CASA. Biochemical characteristics of ostrich semen included a high protein concentration (29.3 ± 9.1g/l) and high amidase (280.6 ± 130.8 U/l) and LDH activity (1880.0 ± 983.6 U/l). On the other hand antioxidant, superoxide dismutase, anti-proteinase and acid phosphatase activity were low. Biochemical parameters of semen were variable. Motility of ostrich sperm was characterized by low linearity (23.0 ± 6.2%). The quality of undiluted semen stored at room temperature deteriorated within an hour due to agglutination and gelation. On the other hand, ostrich semen could be stored up to 4h at 5°C without loss of motility after which loss of motility occurred but could be partially mitigated using semen extenders (EK and Ovodyl).

Maternal sensitivity predicts language gain in preschool children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

The link between maternal sensitivity and child language gain was assessed in a prospective study of hearing mothers and their deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children. Maternal sensitivity in dyadic interaction was assessed when children were approximately 2 years old, and expressive language gain was assessed at 2 to 3 years using the Minnesota Child Development Inventory. Sensitivity made significant, positive, and unique predictions of expressive language gain when the effects of maternal education, degree of child hearing loss, dyadic mode of communication, and time between assessments were controlled. Findings indicate the value of affective measures of interaction in predicting language gain.