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Epidemiological Data (epidemiological + data)
Selected AbstractsMigraine and Sex Hormones: Epidemiological Data Stimulate Rethinking of Etiologic Role of EstrogenHEADACHE, Issue 9 2004Vinod Kumar Gupta MD Dr. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Epidemiological data on consumer allergy to p -phenylenediamineCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2008Jacob Pontoppidan Thyssen Many women and men now dye their hair. p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a frequent and important component of permanent hair dye products; exposure to it may cause allergic contact sensitization, acute dermatitis, and severe facial oedema. To increase our understanding of PPD allergy, we reviewed published literature containing PPD patch test data from dermatitis patients and individuals in the general population. This was performed to estimate the median prevalence and the weighted average of PPD sensitization and thereby assess the burden of PPD-containing hair care products on health. Literature was examined using PubMed,MEDLINE, Biosis, and Science Citation Index. The median prevalence among dermatitis patients was 4.3% in Asia, 4% in Europe, and 6.2% in North America. A widespread increase in the prevalence of PPD sensitization was observed among Asian dermatitis patients. In Europe, a decrease in the 1970s was replaced by a plateau with steady, high prevalences ranging between 2% and 6%. The prevalence remained high in North America, although a decreasing tendency was observed. Contact allergy to PPD is an important health issue for both women and men. More stringent regulation and enforcement are required as public health measures to reduce the burden of disease that exposure to PPD has brought to populations. [source] Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmeticsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2002Evy Paulsen The Compositae (Asteraceae) family of plants is currently an important cause of allergic plant contact dermatitis in Europe. The family comprises some of the oldest and most valued medicinal plants, and the increasing popularity of herbal medicine and cosmetics may theoretically result in a growing number of Compositae sensitizations from these sources. According to the literature at least 15 species, including among others arnica (Arnica montana), German and Roman chamomile (Chamomilla recutita and Chamaemelum nobile), marigold (Calendula officinalis), Echinacea and elecampane (Inula helenium), have been suspected of sensitization or elicitation of Compositae dermatitis. Epidemiological data are available for 2 species only, arnica and German chamomile, the rest of the evidence being anecdotal. Based on this, sensitization seems to occur relatively frequently with a few species such as arnica and elecampane, and occurs rarely with the majority, especially the widely used German chamomile. Sesquiterpene lactones are the most important allergens, but there are a few cases of sensitization from a coumarin, a sesquiterpene alcohol and a thiophene. The risk of elicitation of dermatitis by using Compositae-containing products in Compositae-sensitive individuals is by-and-large unknown. [source] What Is the mechanism of SIDS?DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Clues from epidemiology Abstract The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. Many mechanisms have been postulated, although thermal stress, rebreathing of expired gases and infection/inflammation seem the most viable hypotheses for the causation of SIDS. Deaths from SIDS have reduced dramatically following the recommendation not to place infants to sleep prone. Epidemiological data have shown that prone sleeping position is more risky in winter, colder latitudes, higher altitudes, if the infant is unwell or has excessive bedding or clothing. This suggests prone sleeping position involves either directly or indirectly a thermal mechanism. SIDS caused by an infective/inflammatory mechanism might be associated with deaths occurring during the night. Rebreathing of expired gases, airway obstruction, long QT syndrome and other genetic conditions may explain a small number of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 215,222, 2009 [source] Lysosomal storage disease in Sida carpinifolia toxicosis: an induced mannosidosis in horsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003A. P. LORETTI Summary Reasons for performing study: This study reports a neurological disease unrecognised until now in ponies in southern Brazil. Hypothesis: Epidemiological data strongly suggests that the ingestion of Sida carpinifolia is involved in the aetiology. We tested the hypothesis that it is an acquired lyosomal storage disease. Methods: Following the death of 3 ponies, all ponies from the premises were closely monitored; epidemiological data and clinical findings carefully recorded. Fragments of several organs, including CNS, were fixed in neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin-wax. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Representative sections of the cerebellum and trigeminal ganglia were submitted to lectin histochemical procedures. Results: The neurological disorder, characterised by stiff gait, muscle tremors, abdominal pain and death, was observed on a farm with 3 hectares of pasture. Three of 11 ponies died 15,20 days after they had been introduced into a new paddock heavily infested by the plant Sida carpinifolia. No significant gross lesions were observed. The main histological findings included multiple cytoplasmatic vacuoles in swollen neurones in the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, autonomic ganglia (trigeminal and celiac ganglia), and submucosal and myenteric plexus of the intestines. In the kidneys, there was marked vacuolation of the proximal convoluted tubular cells. Sections of cerebellum and trigeminal ganglion were submitted to lectin histochemistry. The vacuoles in different cerebellar and ganglion cells reacted strongly to the following lectins: Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris and succinylated- Triticum vulgaris. Conclusions: The pattern of staining coincides with that of both swainsonine toxicosis and inherited mannosidosis reports. The histopathological changes were similar to those described in S. carpinifolia spontaneous and experimental poisoning in goats. This disease seems to be similar to Swainsona, Oxytropis and Astragalus toxicosis. Potential relevance: S. carpinifolia should be evaluated as a possible cause in the diagnosis of equine neuropathies. [source] Paternal contribution to fetal alcohol syndromeADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Ernest Abel Maternal alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes for the child. Many women who drink during pregnancy also have male partners who abuse alcohol. Existing data on paternal effects of alcohol abuse during the preconceptual period and at the time of conception are reviewed. Epidemiological data offer some support for a paternal influence on birth weight, congenital heart defects, and some evidence of mild cognitive impairments. Animal data have demonstrated decreased litter size, increased prevalence of low birth weight fetuses and mixed data on risk of malformations. Increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas bacterial infection has been reported. Cognitive and behavioral findings are the most robust effects. These include learning and memory deficits, hyperactivity, and poor stress tolerance. Multiple causal mechanisms for a paternal effect have been suggested, but none seems satisfactory to explain all findings. Further research is needed on paternal effects in animals and human populations. The results of this research may influence prevention activities. [source] Haemophilia care then, now and in the futureHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2009J. OLDENBURG Summary., Epidemiological data show the benefits of dramatically improved haemophilia care in all life-stages. There are improved administration techniques and dosing regimens, a shift from on-demand treatment to prophylaxis, successful treatment protocols for immune tolerance induction in patients with inhibitors and enhanced approaches to overall patient management. Improvements also include the introduction of virus inactivation methods for plasma derived clotting factor concentrates and the development of recombinant factor VIII therapy, which practically eliminated the risk of infectious disease transmission. Recombinant factor concentrates are recommended as treatment of choice by several guidelines today. All these developments have resulted in increased health-related quality of life and life expectancy in haemophilia patients, who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood with healthy joints and an overall healthy status today. Because of increased life expectancy, these patients are expected to experience age-related clinical problems that were not previously observed in this population. With respect to this, the spectrum of haemophilia care will be extended to diseases of older ages with the need of including further disciplines in comprehensive haemophilia care programmes. Despite these advances, the short half-life of factor VIII, requiring re-administration every 2 or 3 days and the development of inhibitors remains a challenge. Bayer's research and development currently focuses on the optimization of recombinant coagulation factors to address these challenges. Haemophilia care has experienced significant improvements within the past decades. Novel technologies and continued clinical research have facilitated the development of treatment regimen that resulted in dramatic increases in the life expectancy and quality of life of haemophilia patients. To set the scene for the following papers dealing with haemophilia care from paediatrics to geriatrics, developments behind these improvements and some aspects of future research will be presented in this paper. [source] The changing face of HIV-associated lymphoma: what can we learn about optimal therapy inl the post highly active antiretroviral therapy era?HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Alison Clayton Abstract Epidemiological data indicate that the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in HIV positive individuals is related to age and CD4 count (i.e. degree of immunosuppression). The prognosis of patients with HIV-NHL has been shown to be linked to several features including age, stage, modified IPI, prior AIDS diagnosis, CD4 count, immunoblastic pathology, LDH, and HAART use. These features are, as would be expected, a mixture of prognostic factors relating to both the HIV, and to the NHL. Population studies indicate that the incidence of associated (HIV-NHL) may be reducing with the advent of HAART, although not all studies concur. However, most population-based studies have not as yet shown a significant improvement in the survival of patients with HIV-NHL with HAART. The optimal chemotherapy for these patients is unknown, although it is generally accepted that CNS prophylaxis is mandatory. There is currently no good evidence of any survival benefit with increased dose intensity from large RCT. However, it must be borne in mind that the large randomised studies comparing differing dose intensities were undertaken before the advent of effective HAART. There is some evidence that there may be a subset of good prognosis patients who may benefit from more intensive therapy.6 Given that the prognosis of patients with HIV can now be considerably improved with HAART, we cannot necessarily assume that the same results would apply with regard to chemotherapy dose intensity. There is some evidence that there is a survival benefit from the addition of HAART to chemotherapy, although this is retrospective. It is likely, however, that the reason for this is that the HAART improves the prognosis of the patients from their HIV, and therefore reduces the number of patients dying from other HIV-related illnesses whilst in remission from their lymphoma, as was seen in large numbers of patients in the earlier chemotherapy trials. It must not be forgotten that the prognosis of the patient's NHL is intimately linked to their prognosis with respect to the HIV. Although the number of patients with HIV-NHL is currently few, there is a need for more trials of chemotherapy, particularly now in the HAART era, when the prognosis from the point of view of the HIV has improved so much. In particular, the issue of dose intensity needs revisiting for patients whose overall prognosis can be improved by commencing HAART. Patients with HIV-NHL should be managed at specialist centres, and where possible should be managed as part of RCT. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Self-report of memory and affective dysfunction in association with medication use in a sample of individuals with chronic sleep disturbanceHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 8 2000Mary Pat McAndrews Abstract Benzodiazepines produce memory disturbance after acute administration. It is not clear whether chronic use of benzodiazepines is hazardous to memory processes. Epidemiological data indicate that a large proportion (10,30 per cent) of individuals with sleep dysfunction take hypnotic aids for a year or longer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate self-reported memory dysfunction in a sample of individuals who considered their sleep disturbance sufficiently severe to seek investigation in sleep clinics. It was hypothesized that individuals taking benzodiazepines for sleep would report greater perceived everyday memory failures than individuals taking other sleep aids or no medication. Questionnaires were given to 368 individuals referred into the study by investigators in six sleep disorders clinics. All respondents completed a lengthy (700-item) questionnaire, which included scales assessing memory difficulties, affective status and sleep disturbance. Respondents also reported any medication use for sleep problems and duration of use of the current drug. Information on medication use was reported by 289 participants. Fifty-six per cent of respondents reported using some form of psychoactive medication (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, Zopiclone). Twenty-two per cent reported using no medication. Analysis of covariance showed that these medications had no detectable effect on subjective memory difficulties during chronic use, F(4,226)=1·34, p=0·25. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Oral health status in relation to ethnicity of children in the Municipality of Copenhagen, DenmarkINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2003A. Sundby Summary. Approximately 25% of children under the age of 18 in the Municipality of Copenhagen have a non-Danish ethnic background, and it is suspected that there may be major inequalities in oral health as a result. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to describe the occurrence of dental caries in different ethnic minorities, and to analyse whether the dental caries experience of the children may be affected by cultural and behavioural differences. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Copenhagen as a cross-sectional investigation of 794 children, aged 3 and 5 years old (preschool), 7 years old (Grade 1) and 15 years old (Grade 9). Children of Danish, Turkish, Pakistani, Albanian, Somali and Arabian backgrounds were selected by convenience sampling. Epidemiological data were retrieved from the Danish Recording System for the Public Dental Health Services (SCOR) and sociological data were collected by postal questionnaires. Results. Marked differences in dental caries prevalence were observed when different ethnic minorities were compared to Danish children. These were most prominent for the primary dentition. At age 7, 53% of the Danish and 84% of the Albanian children were affected by dental caries, the mean caries experience was 3·5 dmfs (decayed, missed and filled surfaces) and 13·8 dmfs, respectively. Caries in incisors and/or smooth surfaces was observed in 10% of the Danish children and 48% of the Albanian children. There were cultural differences in dental attendance and self-care practices of children and parents. These socio-behavioural factors may help to explain the differences in dental caries prevalence and severity. Conclusions. Development of appropriate oral health promotion strategies is urgently needed to improve oral health behaviour and attitudes of parents and children of ethnic minorities. Preventive programs should be organized at local community level in close collaboration with key persons of ethnic minority societies. [source] Genetic diversity of HCV genotype 2 strains in South Western FranceJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 1 2007Fabienne Thomas Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and liver disease worldwide. The genetic heterogeneity of HCV and its spread among infected patients can be examined accurately by nucleotide sequencing. The diversity of HCV genotype 2 strains (HCV-2) was studied in a large cohort of patients in the Midi Pyrénées area of southern France. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on 344 NS5B sequences from patients infected with HCV-2. These included 145 strains whose E2 region was also analyzed, and epidemiological data were collected for the corresponding patients. HCV-2 accounts for 11.3% of HCV infections in this area. Phylogenetic analysis of NS5B sequences revealed eight subtypes, while that of the E2 region provided congruent results for 100% of strains. The most frequent subtypes were 2i (24.7%), 2k (22.4%) 2c (17.4%), and 2a (10.8%). The mean age of HCV-2-infected patients was 55.5 years. Epidemiological data showed that blood transfusion is the major route of infection, but it was not associated with any particular subtype. By contrast, intravenous drug users were infected predominantly with genotype 2a. HCV-2a-infected patients were younger than patients infected with other subtypes (48 vs. 56.5 years, P,<,0.01). This study shows substantial genetic diversity of HCV-2 subtypes in the south of France and the spread of 2a strains via intravenous drug users. J. Med. Virol. 79:26,34, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparison of dentine hypersensitivity in selected occidental and oriental populationsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 1 2001D. G. Gillam Epidemiological data on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) prevalence are limited. Few studies have compared prevalence between populations. The aim of this investigation, therefore, was to compare the perception and prevalence of DH in two distinct non-periodontal practice populations, one U.K. and one Korean. Completed questionnaires from 557 patients (230 males and 327 females, comprising 115 males and 162 females, mean age 41·7 years (s.d.=14·36), U.K. and 115 males and 165 females, mean age 29·7 years (s.d.=11·86), Korean) were collected. Analysis was by frequency distribution and cross-tabulation (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)). DH prevalence was similar and at levels comparable with those reported previously. Prevalence was higher in the third and fourth decades in both populations. Although there were no differences between U.K. or Korean males and U.K. or Korean females, there was a significant difference between gender reporting of DH, with more females complaining of DH than males (standard normal deviation (SND)=4·3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0·1134,0·2736). DH appeared to be regarded by patients as not severe in most cases, so treatment was not generally sought. Of those who claimed to have sought treatment, a significant number had received restorative treatment. Of those patients, only 23·3% of U.K. and ,2% of Korean patients claimed to have used a desensitizing dentifrice. Pain from DH was reported as low grade (slight, occasional) occurring over 5 years in both populations. Cold appeared to be the most reported stimulus in the two populations. Less periodontal surgery had been undertaken in these two populations (12·6% U.K. and 7·1% Korean) compared with those referred to a teaching hospital periodontal department (34·5%). This compared favourably with previous findings in the general dental population (15·5%). Discomfort following hygiene therapy did not appear to last ,7 days in either population. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between U.K.- and Korean-based populations in their perception of DH, with the exception that more females complained of sensitivity than males in both groups. Overall, DH was not considered a major dental problem by most patients in either of the populations. [source] The Prevalence and Impact of Chronic Pain with Neuropathic Pain Symptoms in the General PopulationPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009Cory Toth BSc, FRCPC ABSTRACT Objective., We performed a prevalence estimate of chronic pain with neuropathic pain (NeP) symptoms to determine its frequency and associations with morbidity. Design., We conducted a telephone-based survey based upon a random sampling of both urban and rural households of the general population in one Canadian province to determine NeP prevalence and its impact upon financial well-being and quality of life. Outcome Measures., Telephonic use of the DN4 questionnaire (DN4Q), used to identify NeP symptoms in those patients with chronic pain, was validated within selected clinical populations of chronic pain. Epidemiological data was obtained for all subjects. EuroQoL (EQ)-5D data estimating quality of life was measured. Results., Chronic pain was present in 35.0% of the surveyed population of 1,207 subjects, with NeP symptoms present in 17.9%. The NeP group had significantly more pain, was female predominant, had a greater belief of being economically disadvantaged, suffered from more restrictions in mobility and in usual activities, and had overall lower EQ-5D utility scores compared with subjects with non-NeP. DN4Q validation demonstrated that pain entities not normally defined as NeP are recorded as such using the DN4Q, and that a spectrum of NeP features may occur across a host of painful conditions. Conclusion., Despite limitations of the DN4Q, symptoms of NeP may be more prevalent in the general population than expected and has a greater impact upon patients' lives than non-NeP. Limitations of the DN4Q may relate to the concept of a spectrum of NeP existent amongst heterogenous NeP and non-NeP syndromes. [source] Perinatal nutrition and immunity to infectionPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4p1 2010Kelsey D. J. Jones Jones KDJ, Berkley JA, Warner JO. Perinatal nutrition and immunity to infection. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 564,576. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Epidemiological data provide strong evidence for a relationship between undernutrition and life-threatening infection in infants and children. However, the mechanisms that underlie this relationship are poorly understood. Through foetal life, infancy and childhood, the immune system undergoes a process of functional maturation. The adequacy of this process is dependent on environmental factors, and there is accumulating evidence of the impact of pre- and post-natal nutrition in this regard. This review outlines the impact of nutrition during foetal and infant development on the capacity to mount immune responses to infection. It provides an overview of the epidemiologic evidence for such a role and discusses the possible mechanisms involved. [source] Exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic children and adolescents after nasal allergen challengePEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Christophe Pedroletti Epidemiological data suggest a comorbidity link between nasal and bronchial allergic disease. Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a sensitive marker of bronchial inflammation and increases after bronchial allergen provocation. We studied FENO in 19 children and adolescents with allergic asthma and 10 controls before and 2, 6 and 24 h after a single nasal allergen challenge. The correlation between FENO and other markers of allergic inflammation, such as eosinophils in blood and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum and nasal lavage was also assessed. FENO remained unchanged 24 h post-challenge in both steroid and steroid-naïve patients. At 6 h post-challenge, FENO decreased in both asthmatics and controls. The asthmatic subjects showed a positive correlation between FENO and blood eosinophils before (r = 0.71, p = 0.001) and after the challenge, and between FENO and ECP in nasal lavage (r = 0.62, p = 0.02) 2 h after the challenge. Mean ECP in nasal lavage increased post-challenge but not significantly. We conclude that a single nasal allergen challenge does not augment bronchial inflammation although FENO, is related to blood eosinophil count and to the nasal inflammatory response. Our data do not support the theory of a direct transmission of the nasal inflammation to the lower airways. [source] Cutaneous effects of infrared radiation: from clinical observations to molecular response mechanismsPHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE, Issue 5 2003Stefan M. Schieke Human skin is exposed to infrared (IR) radiation (760 nm,1 mm) from natural as well as artificial sources that are increasingly used for cosmetic or medical purposes. Epidemiological data and clinical observations, however, indicate that IR radiation cannot be considered as totally innocuous to human skin. In particular, IR radiation, similar to ultraviolet radiation, seems to be involved in photoaging and potentially also in photocarcinogenesis. The molecular consequences resulting from IR exposure are virtually unknown. Recent studies, however, have begun to shed light on the basic molecular processes such as cellular signal transduction and gene expression triggered by exposure to IR radiation. In response to IR irradiation, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were activated mediating the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression. This previously unrecognized molecular ,IR response' shows that IR radiation is capable of specifically interfering with cellular functions and provides a molecular basis for biological effects of IR on human skin. [source] Utility of Qualitative Research Findings in Evidence-Based Public Health PracticePUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 3 2006Ph.D., Susan M. Jack R.N. ABSTRACT Epidemiological data, derived from quantitative studies, provide important information about the causes, prevalence, risk correlates, treatment and prevention of diseases, and health issues at a population level. However, public health issues are complex in nature and quantitative research findings are insufficient to support practitioners and administrators in making evidence-informed decisions. Upshur's Synthetic Model of Evidence (2001) situates qualitative research findings as a credible source of evidence for public health practice. This article answers the following questions: (1) where does qualitative research fit within the paradigm of evidence-based practice and (2) how can qualitative research be used by public health professionals? Strategies for using qualitative research findings instrumentally, conceptually, and symbolically are identified by applying Estabrooks' (1999) conceptual structure of research utilization. Different research utilization strategies are illustrated through the use of research examples from the field of work on intimate partner violence against women. Recommendations for qualitative researchers disseminating findings and for public health practitioners/policy makers considering the use of qualitative findings as evidence to inform decisions are provided. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: H3N2 Influenza A Virus Replicates in Immortalized Human First Trimester Trophoblast Cell Lines and Induces Their Rapid ApoptosisAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Quang Duy Trinh Problem, Epidemiological data suggested that pandemic influenza increased the risks of spontaneous abortion and premature labor, while seasonal influenza also increased the risk of schizophrenia in adolescence. However, their pathogenesis is so far unknown. Method of study, The first trimester trophoblast cell lines, namely, Swan71 and HTR8 cells were challenged with A/Udorn/72 influenza virus (H3N2). At indicated time points, cells were examined for expression of influenza proteins. Viral replication in culture media, apoptosis and the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G were also examined. Results Intracellular localization of viral proteins was observed. Twenty-four hours after inoculation, virus was detected in culture media while most cells fell into apoptosis. During apoptosis, expression of HLA-G was unchanged. Conclusion, We revealed replication of low pathogenic influenza virus in the first trimester trophoblast cell lines. Placental damages are likely to be induced by direct cytopathic effects of influenza virus and subsequent apoptosis rather than down regulation of HLA-G expression and subsequent rejection by maternal immune system. [source] Is there just one lesion?ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 10 2009The need for whole body skin examination in patients presenting with non-melanocytic skin cancer Abstract Background:, In patients presenting with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) the frequency of concurrently presenting tumours is poorly documented. Whole body skin examination is recommended but in a recent survey of Australian General Practitioners and skin cancer clinics doctors it was infrequently performed. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of concurrent skin cancer at initial presentation and therefore to examine the need for whole body skin examination for NMSC presentations. Method:, One hundred consecutive patients with a referral diagnosis indicative of NMSC were examined. Data was analysed as to the referring doctor's diagnosis, whole body skin examination findings and histology of excised lesions. Epidemiological data was obtained by patient questionnaire. Results:, One hundred patients, 41 males and 59 females, with a mean age of 70 years (range 39,91 years) underwent whole body skin examination. Sixty-seven per cent of patients were found to have additional lesions requiring treatment, 46% skin cancers (30 patients basal cell carcinomas, five squamous cell carcinomas, seven basal and squamous cell carcinomas, two lentigo maligna, two adenexal tumours) and 21% solar keratoses. Thirty-four of the additional lesions detected were in areas covered by clothing. Sixty-eight patients had a past history of skin cancer excision. Conclusions:, In the Australian patient population, the need for whole body skin examination is essential to avoid missing concurrent lesions. Ongoing surveillance is also essential as these patients have a high risk of developing future NMSC. [source] Psoriasis: a possible risk factor for development of coronary artery calcificationBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007R.J. Ludwig Summary Background, Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting about 2% of white-skinned individuals. Epidemiological data on the prevalence and degree of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as an indicator for cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis are contradictory. Objectives, To study the prevalence and degree of CAC as an indicator for cardiovascular diseases in 32 patients with psoriasis matched for age, sex and risk factors to an equally sized control population. Methods, Noncontrast-enhanced 16-row spiral computed tomography was performed in patients and controls. Results, We found a significantly increased prevalence (59·4% vs. 28·1%, P = 0·015) and severity (CAC score according to Agatston 3·7 vs. 0·0, P = 0·019) of CAC in patients with psoriasis. Multiple linear regression calculations identified psoriasis as a likely independent risk factor for CAC. Conclusions, Our results point towards the potentially systemic nature of the inflammatory processes underlying the pathogenesis of psoriasis, which may therefore be considered a potentially severe systemic disease. [source] Gender-specific vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption in rats: a role for inducible nitric oxide synthaseBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2008C R Tirapelli Background and purpose: Epidemiological data suggest that the risk of ethanol-associated cardiovascular disease is greater in men than in women. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying gender-specific vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption in rats. Experimental approach: Vascular reactivity experiments using standard muscle bath procedures were performed on isolated thoracic aortae from rats. mRNA and protein for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and for endothelial NOS (eNOS) was assessed by RT-PCR or western blotting, respectively. Key results: In male rats, chronic ethanol consumption enhanced phenylephrine-induced contraction in both endothelium-intact and denuded aortic rings. However, in female rats, chronic ethanol consumption enhanced phenylephrine-induced contraction only in endothelium denuded aortic rings. After pre-incubation of endothelium-intact rings with L -NAME, both male and female ethanol-treated rats showed larger phenylephrine-induced contractions in aortic rings, compared to the control group. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was not affected by ethanol consumption. The effects of ethanol on responses to phenylephrine were similar in ovariectomized (OVX) and intact (non-OVX) female rats. In the presence of aminoguanidine, but not 7-nitroindazole, the contractions to phenylephrine in rings from ethanol-treated female rats were greater than that found in control tissues in the presence of the inhibitors. mRNA levels for eNOS and iNOS were not altered by ethanol consumption. Ethanol intake reduced eNOS protein levels and increased iNOS protein levels in aorta from female rats. Conclusions and implications: Gender differences in the vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption were not related to ovarian hormones but seemed to involve the upregulation of iNOS. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 468,479; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707589; published online 26 November 2007 [source] Phenotypic characteristics of temporal lobe epilepsy: the impact of hippocampal sclerosisACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009K. Heuser Objectives , Whether mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) is a condition with a unique biological background that can be delineated from other TLE, is unresolved. Here we performed a comparative analysis of two TLE patient cohorts , one cohort with HS and one without HS , in order to identify phenotypic characteristics specifically associated with MTLE-HS. Methods , Epidemiological data and clinical and diagnostic features were compared between patients with MTLE-HS and TLE patients without HS. When appropriate, data were compared with healthy controls. Results , Fifty-six (26%) patients were diagnosed with MTLE-HS and 162 (74%) with other TLE. Age at epilepsy onset was lower in patients with MTLE-HS (P = 0.003) than in TLE patients without HS. Incidence of simple partial seizures was higher in the MTLE-HS group (P = 0.006), as were complex partial seizures (P = 0.001), ictal psychiatric symptoms (P = 0.015), and autonomic symptoms (P < 0.001). Interictal psychiatric symptoms, including depression, were less frequent in MTLE-HS (P = 0.043). MTLE-HS patients had a higher incidence of childhood febrile seizures (FS; P = 0.043) than TLE patients without HS. In contrast, the former group had the lower frequency of first-grade family members with childhood FS (P = 0.019). Conclusions , We identified phenotypic characteristics that distinguish MTLE-HS from other types of TLE. These characteristics will be important in diagnostics, treatment, and determination of prognosis, and provide a basis for future phenotype,genotype studies. [source] Aniridia among children and teenagers in Sweden and NorwayACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009Ulla Edén In the November 2008 issue (AOS 86:7), the article by Ulla Edén et al. was not published correctly in the printed issue. Unfortunately, part of the section ,Visual acuity' in the Results was repeated on page 732, and the start of the Discussion was omitted on page 732. The full and correct version of this article is printed hereunder. The Publisher apologises for this error. Reference EdénU, BeijarC, RiiseR & TornqvistK (2008): Aniridia among children and teenagers in Sweden and Norway. Acta Ophthalmol86: 730,734. Abstract. Purpose:, To investigate patients under the age of 20 with aniridia in Sweden and Norway in order to estimate the prevalence of aniridia, to describe clinical signs and identify complications in the young, which will help improve diagnostic tools and treatment. Methods:, A thorough search for patients with aniridia (of all ages) was performed. Sixty-two of the 181 patients were under the age of 20. Fifty-two of them were examined and they constituted the study population. Patient history was obtained and all participants underwent clinical ophthalmologic examination, including photography. Blood samples were taken for mutation analysis. Results:, Epidemiological data are only based on the results in Sweden. The age-specific prevalence in Sweden was 1:47 000, male/female ratio was 0.57, mean age 12 years and median age 14 years. The proportion of sporadic cases including WAGR (Wilms tumour, Aniridia, Genitourinary abnormalities, Mental Retardation) and Gillespie syndrome (aniridia, cerebellar ataxia and mental retardation) was 48%. In the entire study population (Sweden and Norway), the mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.2 (range 0.04,0.9). We found VA < 0.3 in 80% and <0.1 in 18% of the patients. Twenty-two patients (42%) had one or more of the sight threatening complications such as cataract/lens luxation, corneal clouding or glaucoma. Conclusion:, Descriptions of aniridia in the younger are rare. This study shows that aniridia seems to be more common than previously estimated and that some complications appear early in life. Watchfulness as regards these complications and regular examinations are essential even in the youngest. [source] Assessing the burden of injury in six European countriesCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2007Richard Reading Assessing the burden of injury in six European countries . PolinderS, MeerdingWJ, MulderS, PetridouE, Van BeeckE, and EUROCOST Reference Group . ( 2007 ) Bulletin of the World Health Organization , 85 , 27 , 34 . Objective To assess injury-related mortality, disability and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in six European countries. Methods Epidemiological data (hospital discharge registers, emergency department registers, mortality databases) were obtained for Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom (England and Wales). For each country, the burden of injury was estimated in years lost due to premature mortality (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and DALYs (per 1000 persons). Findings We observed marked differences in the burden of injury between countries. Austria lost the largest number of DALYs (25 per 1000 persons), followed by Denmark, Norway and Ireland (17,20 per 1000 persons). In the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the total burden due to injuries was relatively low (12 per 1000 persons). The variation between countries was attributable to a high variation in premature mortality (YLL varied from 9 to 17 per 1000 persons) and disability (YLD varied from 2 to 8 per 1000 persons). In all countries, males aged 25,44 years represented one-third of the total injury burden, mainly due to traffic and intentional injuries. Spinal cord injury and skull,brain injury resulted in the highest burden due to permanent disability. Conclusion The burden of injury varies considerably among the six participating European countries, but males aged 15,24 years are responsible for a disproportionate share of the assessed burden of injury in all countries. Consistent injury control policy is supported by high-quality summary measures of population health. There is an urgent need for standardized data on the incidence and functional consequences of injury. [source] Incidental neurodevelopmental episodes in the etiology of schizophrenia: An expanded model involving epigenetics and developmentCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 6 2004SM Singh Epidemiological data favors genetic predisposition for schizophrenia, a common and complex mental disorder in most populations. Search for the genes involved using candidate genes, positional cloning, and chromosomal aberrations including triplet repeat expansions have established a number of susceptibility loci and genomic sites but no causal gene(s) with a proven mechanism of action. Recent genome-wide gene expression studies on brains from schizophrenia patients and their matched controls have identified a number of genes that show an alteration in expression in the diseased brains. Although it is not possible to offer a cause and effect association between altered gene expression and disease, such observations support a neurodevelopmental model in schizophrenia. Here, we offer a mechanism of this disease, which takes into account the role of developmental noise and diversions of the neural system. It suggests that the final outcome of a neural developmental process is not fixed and exact. Rather it develops with a variation around the mean. More important, the phenotypic consequence may cross the norm as a result of fortuitous and/or epigenetic events. As a result, a normal genotype may develop as abnormal with a disease phenotype. More important, susceptible genotypes may have reduced penetrance and develop as a normal phenocopy. The incidental episodes in neurodevelopment will explain the frequency of schizophrenia in most populations and high discordance of monozygotic twins. [source] Comprehensive Review of Campylobacter and Poultry ProcessingCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 2 2004K.M. Keener ABSTRACT Campylobacter has been recognized as a leading bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis in the United States, with 40000 documented cases annually. Epidemiological data suggest that contaminated products of animal origin, especially poultry, contribute significantly to campylobacteriosis. Thus, reduction of contamination of raw poultry would have a large impact in reducing incidence of illness. Contamination occurs both on the farm and in poultry slaughter plants. Routine procedures on the farm such as feed withdrawal, poultry handling, and transportation practices have a documented effect on Campylobacter levels at the processing plant. At the plant, defeathering, evisceration, and carcass chillers have been documented to cross-contaminate poultry carcasses. Carcass washings and the application of processing aids have been shown to reduce populations of Campylobacter in the carcasses by log10 0.5 log10 1.5; however, populations of Campylobacter have been shown to enter a poultry processing plant at levels between log10 5 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and log10 8 CFU/mL of carcass rinse. The purpose of this article is to review Campylobacter, the infection that it causes, its association with poultry, contamination sources during processing, and intervention methods. [source] Traumatic dental injuries in an urban adolescent population in Tirana, AlbaniaDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Dorina Sula Thelen Material & methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to acquire epidemiological data about TDI in the permanent incisors of Albanian adolescents. Participants (n = 2789) were adolescents of both genders, aged 16,18 years, attending public high schools in Tirana. Results: The occurrence of TDI in the incisors ranged from 8.9% of 16-year-olds to 10.5% of 18-year-olds. A greater proportion of boys (12.4%) had TDI compared with girls (7.7). The most commonly reported causes were collisions (27.5%) followed by physical leisure activities and sports (mainly cycling and swimming/diving) (14.1%) and falls (13.4%). Of the adolescents affected by TDI, 32% had unmet treatment need because of no or inadequate treatment. Adolescents living in districts with low socio-economic level had significantly more TDI with unmet treatment need than those living in districts with high socio-economic level. Conclusion: The occurrence of TDI among Albanian adolescents was moderate. Adolescents who came from low socio-economic districts had a greater probability of having TDI with unmet treatment need. [source] An experimentally calibrated finite element study of maxillary traumaDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Michael J Casas Abstract,,, A baseball injury to an instrumented human cadaver maxillae was simulated with a regulation (142 g) baseball traveling at 14 m s,1. Measurements of strain were obtained with three-axis strain gauge rosettes located at the medial palate and both canine fossae. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a dentate human maxilla was constructed from computed tomography scans of the skull of an adolescent. This three-dimensional mathematical model of the maxilla was deemed geometrically accurate by convergence testing when the model's degrees of freedom approximated 74 000. The simulated load case involved a transient dynamic impact to the medial maxilla with boundary conditions imposed at skeletal buttresses of the model. The model was calibrated through direct comparison with the displacements and principal strains gathered from experimental and epidemiological data. The comparison of experimental and calculated principal strains as a result of the simulated impacts revealed a 1.7,11.4% difference. [source] Prenatal stress causes dendritic atrophy of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 region by glutamate in offspring ratsDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Ning Jia Abstract A substantial number of human epidemiological data, as well as experimental studies, suggest that adverse maternal stress during gestation is involved in abnormal behavior, mental, and cognition disorder in offspring. To explore the effect of prenatal stress (PS) on hippocampal neurons, in this study, we observed the dendritic field of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3, examined the concentration of glutamate (Glu), and detected the expression of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) and N -methyl- D -aspartate receptor 1 (NR1) in hippocampus of juvenile female offspring rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group (CON) and PS group. Female offspring rats used were 30-day old. The total length of the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of offspring was significantly shorter in PS than that in CON (p < 0.01). The number of branch points of the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal CA3 of offspring was significantly less in PS (p < 0.01). PS offspring had a higher concentration of hippocampal Glu compared with CON (p < 0.05). PS offspring displayed increased expression of Syt-1 and decreased NR1 in hippocampus compared with CON (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The expression of NR1 in different hippocampus subfields of offspring was significantly decreased in PS than that in CON (p < 0.05-0.01). This study shows that PS increases the Glu in hippocampus and causes apical dendritic atrophy of pyramidal neurons of hippocampal CA3 in offspring rats. The decline of NR1 in hippocampus may be an adaptive response to the increased Glu. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2010 [source] Foot temperature in diabetic polyneuropathy: innocent bystander or unrecognized accomplice?DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005S. B. Rutkove Abstract Aim To explore mechanisms by which temperature could influence the pathogenesis and symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. Methods We conducted a literature review attempting to identify mechanisms by which diabetic polyneuropathy could be affected by temperature. Results Cooling can theoretically hasten the progression of diabetic polyneuropathy through several different mechanisms. Specifically, cooling can enhance neuronal ischaemia, increase formation of reactive oxygen species, slow axonal transport, increase protein kinase C activity, and interfere with immune function. Short-term temperature fluctuations (both warming and cooling) can initiate and exacerbate neuropathic pain by causing neuronal hyperexcitability and functional deafferentation. Although normal fluctuations of distal extremity temperature may be sufficient for these effects, impaired thermoregulation may make the distal extremities more susceptible to temperature extremes. Eventually, a ,vicious cycle' may ensue, resulting in neuronal deterioration with further disruption of temperature regulation. Limited epidemiological data suggest a higher prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy in populations living in colder locations, supporting our hypothesis. Conclusions Variations in foot temperature may play an important but as yet unrecognized role in the development and symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. Further basic and clinical research exploring this concept could help elucidate the natural history of diabetic polyneuropathy and lead to novel therapeutic strategies. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||