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Selected AbstractsUrtica dioica agglutinin: Separation, identification, and quantitation of individual isolectins by capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis,mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2005Markus Ganzera Abstract With benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) being a major health problem in ageing men, alternative therapeutic approaches (e.g., with phytopharmaceuticals) are of great interest. Based on pharmacological evidences, one of the most promising options in that respect are the lectins found in Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) roots. In this study the qualitative and quantitative analysis of individual isolectins in U. dioica extracts is described, which is the first report on using capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the analysis of lectins in plant material at all. By utilizing a 200 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 3.75) a baseline separation and determination of four closely related isolectins was feasible within 20 min in the aqueous plant extracts. The individual compounds were identified based on reference compounds as well as data obtained from CE-mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. After modifying the optimized CE conditions to 100 mM ammonium formate buffer with pH 3.75 and a voltage of 15 kV, the isolectins were clearly assignable in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode. The quantitative results obtained by CE (the total lectin content varied from 0 to 0.42% in the samples) were accurate (recovery rates of spiked samples between 92.5 and 96.2%), precise (relative standard deviation < 5%) and in good agreement to those obtained by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As for peak resolution, assignable compounds and required separation time the newly developed CE method was clearly advantageous over the determination achieved by LC. [source] Plasmodium falciparum growth is arrested by monoterpenes from eucalyptus oilFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008Vanessa Su Abstract Cerebral malaria is a major health problem in the developing world. Widespread resistance to existing drugs by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum has coincided with an increase in mortality, particularly in children. One potential source of new drugs comes from plant natural products. We found that commercially available, pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil and its principal component 1,8-cineole inhibited the growth and development of chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum. This was true both when the oil was added directly to the parasite cultures and when cultures were exposed to the vapours. The development of the parasite was arrested at the early trophozoite stage, irrespective of when the oil was introduced. We used a new approach where the concentration of monoterpenes actually taken up by the cultures was measured directly using HS,GC. We found that the critical concentration required to inhibit and kill the parasite did not adversely affect the host erythrocytes, placing it in the range suitable for drug development. Given the ready availability and existing quality control of eucalyptus oils, this may represent an economically viable adjunct to current antimalarial therapies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Changes in expression and activity of glutathione S -transferase in different organs of schistosoma haematobium -infected hamsterJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2003S. A. Sheweita Abstract Schistosomiasis is a major health problem in many subtropical developing countries, causing a number of serious pathologies, including bladder cancer. Most of the toxic compounds formed as a result of these infestations are derived either exogenously or formed endogenously and can be conjugated with glutathione (GSH) via glutathione S-transferase (GST). The present study investigates the effect of Schistosma haematobium infection on the activity of GST and glutathione reductase (GR) and levels of glutathione and free radicals (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in different organs of the male hamster. The total activity of GST was increased in several organs; in kidney by 50 and 46% at 6 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively, and in bladder tissues by 169, 23, and 130% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postinfection, respectively. In support of this, the expression of GST isozymes was also induced in kidney and bladder tissues at early stages (2, 4, and 6 weeks) and reduced at the later stages of infection (8 and 10 weeks). In contrast, the expression of these isozymes was decreased in the spleen and liver at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks postinfection. Also, such activity was decreased in lungs by 74 and 78% and in bladders by 65 and 72% at 8 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. GSH levels increased in lungs by 95, 40, and 56% at 2, 4, and 6 weeks and in spleen by 26 and 74% at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, but decreased at later stages of S. haematobium infection in these organs. The depletion of GSH levels also occurred in bladders by 72 and 54% at 8 and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. The activity of GR was increased in the livers, lungs, and kidneys of the S. haematobium -infected hamster. TBARS also increased in the lung by 14, 65, 53, 828, and 624% and in the kidney by 64, 29, 87, 190, and 111%, and in the bladder by 216, 23, 1468, 528, and 1025% at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks postinfection, respectively. This study indicates that low GST expression and high levels of free radicals could provide new evidence for damage to the bladder and other organs as a result of S. haematobium infection. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:138,145, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10071 [source] How Many Women Have Osteoporosis?JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005L. Joseph Melton III Osteoporosis is widely viewed as a major public health concern, but the exact magnitude of the problem is uncertain and likely to depend on how the condition is defined. Noninvasive bone mineral measurements can be used to define a state of heightened fracture risk (osteopenia), or the ultimate clinical manifestation of fracture can be assessed (established osteoporosis). If bone mineral measurements more than 2 standard deviations below the mean of young normal women represent osteopenia, then 45% of white women aged 50 years and over have the condition at one or more sites in the hip, spine, or forearm on the basis of population-based data from Rochester, Minnesota. A smaller proportion is affected at each specific skeletal site: 32% have bone mineral values this low in the lumbar spine, 29% in either of two regions in the proximal femur, and 26% in the midradius. Although this overall estimate is substantial, some other serious chronic diseases are almost as common. More importantly, low bone mass is associated with adverse health outcomes, especially fractures. The lifetime risk of any fracture of the hip, spine, or distal forearm is almost 40% in white women and 13% in white men from age 50 years onward. If the enormous costs associated with these fractures are to be reduced, increased attention must be given to the design and implementation of control programs directed at this major health problem. [source] A review of the information and support needs of family carers of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 4 2009Ann-Louise Caress Aims and objectives., The objectives of this narrative review were to identify: (1) The information and support needs of carers of family members with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (2) appropriate interventions to support carers in their caregiving role; (3) information on carers' needs as reported in studies of patients living with COPD in the community. Background., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem in the UK resulting in significant burden for patients, families and the health service. Current National Health Service policies emphasise, where medically appropriate, early discharge for acute exacerbations, hospital-at-home care and other models of community care to prevent or reduce re-hospitalisations of people with chronic conditions. Understanding carers' needs is important if health care professionals are to support carers in their caregiving role. Design., A narrative literature review. Methods., Thirty five papers were reviewed after searching electronic databases. Results., Few studies were identified which addressed, even peripherally, carers' needs for information and support, and no studies were found which described and evaluated interventions designed to enhance caregiving capacity. Several studies of hospital-at-home/early discharge, self care and home management programmes were identified which included some information on patients' living arrangements or marital status. However, there was little or no detail reported on the needs of, and in many cases, even the presence of a family carer. Conclusions., This review highlights the dearth of information on the needs of carers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and the need for future research. Relevance to clinical practice., There is little research based knowledge of the needs of carers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and interventions to assist them in providing care. This knowledge is critical to ensure that carers receive the information they need to carry out this role while maintaining their own physical and emotional health. [source] IODINE-FORTIFIED RICE AND ITS ABSORPTIONJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2009VANNA TULYATHAN ABSTRACT Iodine deficiency remains a major health problem in many parts of Thailand with over 50% of the population lacking sufficient iodine in their diet. Since rice is the main staple for Thai people with rice consumed in one form or another in almost every meal, enrichment of rice with iodine offers an effective way to remedy this deficiency of iodine. The present paper investigates the enrichment of iodine in milled rice seeds using flour gel coating technique. Milled rice (Klong-laung 1 variety) was coated with iodine-enriched flour gel (rice : gel = 100:5 w/w) by mixing at 40 rpm and drying to less than 13% moisture. Washing or cooking of the iodine-enriched rice resulted in about 99% and 94% retention of original iodine, respectively. Sensory properties of the cooked rice were acceptable and almost comparable to non-iodine rice. When the iodine-fortified rice was fed to healthy male and female subjects, significant excretion of iodine in the urine was found. PRACTICAL APPLICATION A common form of rice consumed widely among Thai people (also popular in Laos and Cambodia) is a food known simply as "sticky rice." The reason for its popularity is the simple way it is prepared and, above all, its good taste. It is made from a short type of rice and when prepared, the resulting texture is quite sticky, thus its name. However, its nutritional value is quite low and is a good candidate for the introduction of iodine coating. It can be made by a quick steaming process and this simplicity in preparation makes it widely popular and can be a vehicle for the introduction of iodine to the local mass. [source] Emergence and diversity of different HIV-1 subtypes in South Africa, 2000,2001JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 11 2009G.B. Jacobs Abstract HIV-1 is a major health problem in South Africa with an average prevalence rate of 29.1% in pregnant women and between 4.9 and 6.1 million people infected. Using env gp120 V3 serotyping and genotyping techniques 410 patient samples were investigated. Most of the samples were obtained from different clinics in the greater Cape Town area of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. These included an academic hospital, state and private clinics, an informal settlement, sex worker cohorts, and the blood transfusion services. RNA was extracted from plasma samples followed by RT-PCR and sequencing of the env gp120 V3 region. Sequence fragments were assembled using Sequencher V4.7 and subsequently codon aligned. Distance calculation, tree construction methods, and bootstrap analysis were implemented using MEGA version 4.0. Viral load measurements indicated that HIV-1 RNA levels from 74 samples were below the assay detection limit. Three hundred thirty-six samples were used for env PCR and sequencing and 320 were assigned to subtypes. The majority of the sequences were subtyped as C (n,=,285, 89.0%). Other subtypes detected were subtype A (n,=,10, 3.1%); subtype B (n,=,22, 6.8%); one each of subtypes F1, G, U, and a CH recombinant. Whether this diversity will have major implications for HIV-1 evolution and vaccine development in this region remains undetermined. J. Med. Virol. 81:1852,1859, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) addresses the allergy and asthma ,epidemic'ALLERGY, Issue 7 2009J. Bousquet Allergic diseases represent a major health problem in Europe. They are increasing in prevalence, severity and costs. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN), a Sixth EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development (FP6) Network of Excellence, was created in 2005 as a vehicle to ensure excellence in research bringing together research and clinical institutions to combat fragmentation in the European research area and to tackle Allergy in its globality. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network has benefited greatly from the voluntary efforts of researchers who are strongly committed to this model of pan-European collaboration. The network was organized in order to increase networking for scientific projects in allergy and asthma around Europe and to make GA2LEN the world leader in the field. Besides these activities, research has also been carried out and the first papers are being published. Achievements of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network can be grouped as follows: (i) those for a durable infrastructure built up during the project phase, (ii) those which are project-related and based on these novel infrastructures, and (iii) the development and implementation of guidelines. The major achievements of GA2LEN are reported in this paper. [source] Marvels, Mysteries, and Misconceptions of Vascular Compensation to Peripheral Artery OcclusionMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 1 2010MATTHEW A. ZIEGLER Microcirculation (2010) 17, 3,20. doi: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2010.00008.x Abstract Peripheral arterial disease is a major health problem and there is a significant need to develop therapies to prevent its progression to claudication and critical limb ischemia. Promising results in rodent models of arterial occlusion have generally failed to predict clinical success and led to questions of their relevance. While sub-optimal models may have contributed to the lack of progress, we suggest that advancement has also been hindered by misconceptions of the human capacity for compensation and the specific vessels which are of primary importance. We present and summarize new and existing data from humans, Ossabaw miniature pigs, and rodents which provide compelling evidence that natural compensation to occlusion of a major artery (i) may completely restore perfusion, (ii) occurs in specific pre-existing small arteries, rather than the distal vasculature, via mechanisms involving flow-mediated dilation and remodeling (iii) is impaired by cardiovascular risk factors which suppress the flow-mediated mechanisms and (iv) can be restored by reversal of endothelial dysfunction. We propose that restoration of the capacity for flow-mediated dilation and remodeling in small arteries represents a largely unexplored potential therapeutic opportunity to enhance compensation for major arterial occlusion and prevent the progression to critical limb ischemia in the peripheral circulation. [source] Spatial Scale and the Geography of Tobacco Smoking in New Zealand: A Multilevel PerspectiveNEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHER, Issue 2 2003GRAHAM MOON ABSTRACT Smoking in New Zealand is more common in deprived areas and in areas with a significant Maori population. Despite its status as a major health problem there has been little work investigating this apparent geography of smoking Data from the 1996 Census is used to construct a multilevel ,proportions-as-responses' model of smoking prevalence. This enables an exploration of the geography of smoking at different spatial scales. Levels within the model distinguish contextual variation between local authorities, census area units and meshblocks. Particular account is taken of the influence of deprivation and ethnicity on smoking. Results confirm the importance of ethnicity and deprivation and indicate that cross-level interaction between meshblock and census area unit measures is significant. They also challenge crude stereotypes about the apparent geography of smoking and suggest that, while levels of smoking may be high in parts of North Island, they are less high than might be expected given the socio-demographic composition of the areas concerned. Conversely, smoking is more prevalent than expected in parts of South Island. The paper notes the health policy implications of these emergent geographies. [source] The epidemiology of mouth cancer: a review of global incidenceORAL DISEASES, Issue 2 2000SR Moore Mouth cancer (143,145 ICD-9) is a major health problem in many parts of the world. While its incidence is relatively low in most western countries there are some important exceptions to this trend: on the Indian subcontinent and in other parts of Asia it remains one of the most common forms of cancer. This review article summarises the global incidence of mouth cancer using cancer mapS. Data have been compiled from the latest edition of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents and recent studies from various locations around the world. Significant geographic variation is noted in the incidence of mouth cancer, with high rates reported for the Indian subcontinent and parts of Asia (male incidence rates in excess of 10 per 100 000 per annum). It is also noted that as with other forms of oral cancer, the majority of population-based data for mouth cancer comes from the Western world with a paucity of reliable data from the so-called developing countrieS. Mouth cancer remains a serious health problem in many parts of the world with many regions reporting increasing incidence rates particularly in maleS. Ongoing research into the aetiologic risk factors associated with this disease must remain a very high priority if the causes of mouth cancer are to be established and disease control protocols introduced widely. [source] Allergy related disorders among 2-yrs olds in a general population.PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2p1 2010The PACT Study Smidesang I, Saunes M, Storrø O, Øien T, Holmen TL, Johnsen R, Henriksen AH. Allergy related disorders among 2-yrs olds in a general population. The PACT Study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 315,320. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Allergic disorders represent a major health problem in most developed countries, but few population-based studies have focused on these disorders in early childhood. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence, gender differences and distribution of allergy related disorders and their association to sensitization among unselected children, 2 yrs of age, in a general population. A population-based study with parental self reported questionnaire data involving allergy related symptoms and results from allergy tests from 4783 two-yr-old children was conducted, and skin prick tests (SPT) of a randomly selected sample comprising 390 children were performed. In the total population the prevalence of reported wheeze was 26%, doctor diagnosed asthma (DDAsthma) 7.0%, atopic dermatitis (AD) 17% and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) 3%. Of the 1008 (21%) allergy tested children 59% reported a positive test, but of the randomly selected children only 8% had a positive SPT. Children with AD were most frequently sensitized and children with ARC were most likely to have other allergy related disorders (70%). More boys than girls had an allergy related disorder or a positive allergy test. In conclusion, two in five had an allergy related disorder, but less than 10% had a positive SPT. Having one allergic disorder, especially ARC, increased substantially the risk of having another, and having AD was most strongly associated to a positive allergy test. Moreover, boys were more likely than girls to have an allergy related disorder or a positive SPT indicating a gender difference in the natural history of allergy related disorders. [source] Behavioral and nutritional factors and geohelminth infection among two ethnic groups in the Terai region, NepalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Rajendra Prasad Parajuli Geohelminthiasis is a major health problem in many developing countries. This study was designed to evaluate the role of behaviors and the nutritional status of people with geohelminth infection in two indigenous ethnic groups in lowland Terai, Nepal. One hundred and fourteen individuals (55 Mushar and 59 Tharu) aged 20,60 years participated, and a structured questionnaire was used to investigate socioeconomic status and behaviors. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Ninety five stool samples of the participants were collected for parasitological analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of geohelminthiasis was 42.1%: 26.3% of the subjects were infected with roundworm, 9.5% with hookworms, and 6.3% with whipworm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that "not using soap for hand-washing" (adjusted OR = 5.27; 95% CI: 1.41,19.78) and height (adjusted OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79,0.99) were associated with the prevalence of roundworm. "Walking barefoot when outdoor" was associated with the prevalence of hookworm (,-square test, P = 0.01). Ethnicity was not associated with the prevalence of either of the geohelminths. Because unhygienic behaviors and chronic malnutrition were closely associated with the people's recognition and subsistence pattern, elimination of geohelminth infection in Terai would be possible if deworming campaigns were implemented with in-depth health education and modern agricultural technology. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in two tribal populations of the sub-Himalayan region of India: Ethnic and rural,urban differencesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Sobhanjan Sarkar This study was undertaken to estimate prevalence of metabolic syndrome in traditional societies in the sub-Himalayan region and to assess the impact of modernization on the risk to the syndrome. Two tribal populations,Toto and Bhutia,with a shared ancestry and habitat were selected. Some Bhutians have adopted a modern lifestyle. The study design permitted assessment of the relative roles of lifestyle and genetic factors in influencing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Our study has revealed that metabolic syndrome (or its contributing variables) can be a major health problem, even in traditional rural ethnic groups, indicating that this syndrome is not necessarily a result of modernization or urbanization. Dyslipidemia seems to be the major contributor to metabolic syndrome. Further, our study indicates that genetic factors that adversely affect the levels of such variables have long antiquities in Indian ethnic groups. We find that there is an additional adverse impact of adoption of urban lifestyles (perhaps primarily mediated through dietary changes) on metabolic syndrome. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 17:814,817, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous ocimum basilicum extract in acute hyperlipidaemia induced by triton WR-1339 in rats and its antioxidant propertyPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2006Souliman Amrani Abstract Hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis and related diseases are becoming a major health problem in developing countries. Ocimum basilicum is one of the medicinal plants widely used in Morocco to reduce plasma cholesterol and to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the reported hypolipidaemic effect of this plant have not been investigated. This study evaluates the lipid lowering effect of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. Hyperlipidaemia was developed in animals by intraperitoneal injection of Triton (200 mg/kg). After injection of Triton the animals were divided into three treatment groups: hyperlipidaemic, hyperlipidaemic plus herb extract and hyperlipidaemic plus fenofibrate treated rats. At 7 h after the Triton injection, levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in rats treated also with the Ocimum basilicum extract (0.5 g/100 g body weight) were, respectively, 50%, 83% and 79% lower than Triton-treated rats and HDL-cholesterol was 129% higher than in rats given Triton alone. At 24 h following Ocimum basilicum administration, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased by 56%, 63% and 68%, respectively, in comparison with the Triton treated group and HDL-cholesterol was not increased significantly. The hypolipidaemic effect exerted by Ocimum basilicum extract was markedly stronger than the effect induced by fenofibrate treatments. Further it was demonstrated that Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract displayed a very high antioxidant power. These results indicate that Ocimum basilicum extract may contain hypolipidaemic and antioxidant substances and its use as a therapeutic tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects may be of benefit and encourage further investigation in this field. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Effect of Poststroke Depression on Recovery from StrokePSYCHOGERIATRICS, Issue 2 2002Amane Tateno Background: Stroke is a major health problem and poststroke depression is known to be one of the frequent and severe psychiatric complications following stroke. Methods: Based on the results of structured psychiatric mental state exams and DSM diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of poststroke depression has been examined in numerous study populations throughout the world. Longitudinal examinations have documented the effect of poststroke depression on recovery from stroke. Results: The mean prevalence of poststroke major depression was 21.1 % and minor depression was 17.1% among hospitalized or outpatient samples. Community samples showed a slightly lower rate of 14.1% and 9.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the existence of poststroke depression leads to poorer physical recovery, greater cognitive impairment, and worse recovery in activities of daily living compared with non-depressed patients. Several studies have also found that poststroke depression is associated with increased mortality compared with non-depressed patients who had comparable strokes and similar premorbid risk factors. Finally, several studies have found that successful treatment of poststroke depression improves both cognitive and physical recovery and decreases mortality. Conclusion: The current review documents the beneficial effect of identifying and treating poststroke depression on both recovery and survival following stroke. [source] Predictors of depressive symptomatology of geriatric patients with lung cancer,a longitudinal analysisPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2002M.E. Kurtz Background: Lung cancer is a major health problem throughout the world. It is the leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women in the USA, with a 5-year survival rate of only 14%. It has been hypothesized that variables such as physical and social functioning, cancer-related symptomatology, comorbid conditions, cell type, and treatment are valid predictors of the psychological response to a diagnosis of lung cancer. Methods: As part of a larger longitudinal study, 211 patients, 65 years of age or older, with an incident diagnosis of lung cancer, were recruited from 23 sites within a midwestern state. Repeated measures analysis of variance techniques were used to analyse how age, gender, comorbid conditions, stage of disease, cell type, as well as the time-dependent variables symptoms, physical functioning, social functioning, and treatment predict depressive symptomatology at four assessments over the first year following diagnosis. Results: Social functioning (p<0.0001), symptoms severity (p<0.0001) and radiation treatment (p=0.017) were significant predictors of depressive symptomatology, with more symptoms and more restricted social functioning generally corresponding to higher levels of depressive symptomatology. Patients who had not received radiation treatment were more depressed than those who had received treatment at least 40 days prior to the interview. Conclusions: At a clinical level of patient care, these findings mandate early identification of psychosocial difficulties experienced, an individualized symptom management plan and the application of other interventions, such as information giving, reassurance and referral to other resources. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Identification of Cardiovascular Risk: Use of a Cardiovascular-Specific GenogramPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 3 2000Frances B Wimbush Ph.D. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects nearly 50 million Americans of all ages, races, and educational levels. Many of the risk factors for CVD are modifiable and public health nurses (PHNs) are in unique position to impact this major health problem because of their access to individuals, families, and groups. Addressing this major health problem requires early identification of those at risk for CVD. This article describes the implementation of a cardiovascular-specific genogram (CVSG) which can be used to identify persons at risk for CVD. Rationale for the development of this disease-specific tool and suggestions for its clinical application are discussed. The genogram was distributed to the parents of 100 6th grade students. All of the respondents reported cardiovascular risk factors present in at least one of three generations examined. The risk factors in the two younger generations were at the primary and secondary levels of prevention and were modifiable with intervention. Only the older generation in this sample had tertiary level risk factors. The CVSG can easily be incorporated into all aspects of public health nursing practice, from assessment for case finding to planning and implementing disease management strategies. The CVSG can identify individuals, families, and groups at risk for CVD allowing the nurse to focus attention on those most at risk, and to implement proactive assessment, screening, and educational programs. [source] Bacteriocin production by Shigella sonnei isolated from faeces of children with acute diarrhoeaAPMIS, Issue 2 2010MIREILLE ÂNGELA BERNARDES SOUSA Sousa MÂB, Mendes EN, Apolônio ACM, Farias LM, Magalhães PP. Bacteriocin production by Shigella sonnei isolated from faeces of children with acute diarrhoea. APMIS 2010; 118: 125,35. Shigella is a common agent of diarrhoea, a worldwide major health problem. The bacterium produces bacteriocins; however, the role of these substances as a virulence factor is completely unknown. With the aim to search for colicin production by Shigella sonnei, to evaluate the influence of culture conditions on bacteriocin expression, and to characterize the substance partially, 16 S. sonnei strains isolated from children with diarrhoea were tested for antagonism against members of the intestinal microbiota or agents of diarrhoea. Nine strains exhibited isoantagonism and heteroantagonism against S. flexneri and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli. Autoantagonism and antagonism against the intestinal microbiota were not detected. Culture medium and incubation conditions influenced antagonism expression. Antagonism resulting from bacteriophages, low pH, fatty acids, hydrogen peroxide, and chloroform was excluded. The activity of the intracellular fraction obtained with 75% ammonium sulphate was preserved at pH 1.0,11.0, and was found to be reduced by organic solvents and affected by high temperatures and proteases. The antagonistic spectrum and the in vitro conditions for better antagonism expression suggest that the role of colicin in S. sonnei virulence, if any, would be expressed prior to infection, and may regulate population density of enteropathogens by helping in organism transmission. [source] Ocular changes, risk markers for eye disorders and effects of cataract surgery in elderly people: a study of an urban Swedish population followed from 70 to 97 years of ageACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2004Birgitta Bergman Abstract. Aims:, To investigate the prevalence of and potential risk factors for ocular disorders and the effects of timing of cataract surgery from age 70,97 years. Population:, A representative population sample taken from within the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Studies (H 70) in Gothenburg, Sweden (n = 958). All subjects underwent eye examinations at age 70 years in 1971 and subsequently at ages 82, 88, 95 and 97 years. All inhabitants of Gothenburg aged 95 and 97 years were invited to participate in the study. Results:, Decreased vision (visual acuity , 0.5) was found in 20% and 80% of subjects at ages 82 and 97 years, respectively. Blood folate and physical activity at age 70 years correlated positively and body mass index (BMI) negatively to visual acuity (VA) , 0.8 at ages 82 and 88 years. Smoking at age 70 years correlated to early age-related maculopathy (ARM). Cataract surgery had been performed in 40% of subjects at age 97 years. Surgery 2 years earlier led to a 15% increase in time spent with improved vision. Conclusions:, The deterioration of vision in elderly people is a major health problem, for which ,low' folate status, smoking, ,high' BMI and low physical activity are potential risk factors. Early cataract surgery is also beneficial in very old patients. [source] Folic acid supplementation on red kidney bean-induced diarrhoea and enteric bacterial translocation into mesenteric lymph nodes in rats: a pilot studyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2002R Shoda Deaths following childhood diarrhoea, a major health problem in developing countries, are often associated with malnutrition and septicaemic complications. Folic acid has been used in the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhoea in the tropics. Using a rat model, we evaluated the protective effect of large doses of folic acid on diarrhoea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and translocation of enteric bacteria into mesenteric lymph nodes induced by a raw red kidney bean-based diet containing lectin (phytohemagglutinin). Long-Evans rats in 2 groups of 5 each (60 g to 70 g in weight, 28 d old) were used. All 10 rats, individually kept in metabolic cages, received a raw red kidney bean-based diet for 10 d, and 5 of them also received a daily folic acid supplement (160 ,g/g feed) both during and for 10 d before the experiment. The faecal weight was measured and a quantitative aerobic bacterial culture of the small intestinal mucosal scrapings and of the mesenteric lymph nodes was made. Folic acid supplementation did not reduce faecal output nor did it prevent loss of body weight associated with lectin-induced diarrhoea. However, the mean total count of enteric bacteria translocated to the mesenteric lymph nodes was significantly reduced in the supplemented rats (1.27 ± 0.61 vs 2.66 ± 0.84, p= 0.028) and a trend towards reduced bacterial count in the small intestinal mucosal scrapings (0.40 ± 0.89 vs 1.42 ± 1.31, p= 0.16) was documented. A significant positive correlation was also seen between the bacterial count in the jejunal mucosal scrapings and in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Conclusion: Although large-dose folic acid supplementation did not prevent diarrhoea and malnutrition induced by a lectin-based diet, it substantially reduced the count of enteric bacteria translocated into the mesenteric lymph nodes and showed a trend towards a reduction in indigenous bacteria adhering to jejunal mucosa. These findings could be of relevance in the prevention of septicaemic complications following many clinical conditions, including diarrhoea with malnutrition in children known to have bacteraemic and septicaemic complications. [source] Obesity and Physical Activity in College Women: Implications for Clinical PracticeJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2004APRN-BC, Jacquelyn M. Clement PhD Purpose To investigate the relationships between levels of physical activity, health attitudes and behaviors, and specific health indicators in women attending college. Data Sources A convenience sample of 116 college women, ages 18 to 24 years, participated in this research study at a moderate-sized midwestern university. The data were obtained through self-administered questionnaire; trained technicians collected physiological measurements. Conclusions The young women in this study had, on average, normal body mass indexes (BMIs) and reported activity levels consistent with or greater than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Items used to assign participants into the appropriate stage of the transtheoretical model of change were correlated with participants' perceived personal physical activity levels. Similarly, the participants, whose scores fell in the higher stages of the transtheoretical model, reported greater levels of physical activity; consumption of more fruits, vegetables, and water; and less consumption of high-fat/high-calorie foods. Implications for Practice The years between ages 18 and 24 are a critical time in the lives of young women. During this period, they develop physical activity and nutrition habits that will affect their health across the life span. Because of the sometimes insidious development of major health problems, young women's current health status may not accurately reflect the possible longterm results of negative health habits. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have many opportunities to identify and address major factors that, if unattended, may threaten the life-long health status of women. Health teaching in the areas of physical activity and dietary habits may be useful even in young women who appear to be healthy, are of normal weight, and are physically active.Poor dietary habits, if unattended, may eventually contribute to the development of obesity and related illnesses. [source] Sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels in immigrant and British-born premenopausal British Pakistani women: Evidence of early life influences?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Tessa M. Pollard In women, raised insulin levels are associated with low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and high androgen levels, which are in turn linked to infertility. Since insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are major health problems for South Asians living in Western countries, we predicted that British Pakistani women would have low SHBG and raised androgen levels compared to European women. Given low birth weights in Pakistan, and known links between low birth weight and insulin resistance in later life, we also predicted that immigrant women born in Pakistan would have lower levels of SHBG and higher levels of androgens than British-born British Pakistani women. We assessed SHBG, testosterone, and the free androgen index (FAI) from a single serum sample taken on days 9,11 of the menstrual cycle from 20,40-year-old women living in the UK: 30 immigrants from Pakistan, 30 British-born British Pakistani women, and 25 British-born women of European origin. Age-adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in SHBG, testosterone, or FAI between British-born Pakistani and European-origin women. However, immigrant British Pakistani women had a significantly higher FAI than British-born British Pakistani women. Adjustment for body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and smoking status did not affect these results, but further adjustment for height, a marker of early environment, reduced the P -value for the difference in FAI between immigrant and British-born British Pakistani women to below significance. It is possible that the poorer early environment of immigrant British Pakistani women was at least partially responsible for their relatively high levels of free androgens. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:741,747, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||