Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Highest Prevalence (highest + prevalence)
Selected AbstractsPeriocular dermatitis: a report of 401 patientsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2009E Temesvári Abstract Background, Periocular contact dermatitis may appear as contact conjunctivitis, contact allergic and/or irritative eyelid and periorbital dermatitis, or a combination of these symptoms. The clinical symptoms may be induced by several environmental and therapeutic contact allergens. Objectives, The aim of the present study was to map the eliciting contact allergens in 401 patients with periocular dermatitis (PD) by patch testing with environmental and ophthalmic contact allergens. Methods, Following the methodics of international requirements, 401 patients were tested with contact allergens of the standard environmental series, 133 of 401 patients with the Brial ophthalmic basic and supplementary series as well. Results, Contact hypersensitivity was detected in 34.4% of the patients. Highest prevalence was seen in cases of PD without other symptoms (51.18%), in patients of PD associated with ophthalmic complaints (OC; 30.4%), and PD associated with atopic dermatitis (AD; 27.9%). In the subgroup of PD associated with seborrhoea (S) and rosacea (R), contact hypersensitivity was confirmed in 17.6%. Most frequent sensitisers were nickel sulphate (in 8.9% of the tested 401 patients), fragrance mix I (4.5%), balsam of Peru (4.0%), paraphenylendiamine (PPD) (3.7%), and thiomersal (3.5%). By testing ophthalmic allergens, contact hypersensitivity was observed in nine patients (6.7% of the tested 133 patients). The most common confirmed ophthalmic allergens were cocamidopropyl betaine, idoxuridine, phenylephrine hydrochloride, Na chromoglycinate, and papaine. Limitations, Patients with symptoms of PD were tested from 1996 to 2006. Conclusions, The occurence of contact hypersensitivity in PD patients was in present study 34.4%. A relatively high occurence was seen in cases of PD without other symptoms, in PD + OC and in PD + AD patients. The predominance of environmental contact allergens was remarkable: most frequent sensitizers were nickel sulphate, fragrance mix I, balsam of Peru, thiomersal, and PPD. The prevalence of contact hypersensitivity to ophthalmic allergens did not exceed l.5%. Conflicts of interest None declared [source] Patterns of motor disability in very preterm childrenDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 4 2002Melanie Bracewell Abstract Motor development in very preterm children differs in several important ways from that of children born at full term. Variability is common, although the anatomic and physiologic bases for that variability are often poorly understood. Motor patterns over the first postnatal year may depend on behaviours learned during often long periods of neonatal intensive care. The normal pattern of development may be modified by disturbances of brain function caused both by the interruption of normal brain maturation ex-utero and the superimposition of focal brain injuries following very preterm birth. Abnormal patterns of development over the first year may evolve into clear neuromotor patterns of cerebral palsy or resolve, as "transient dystonias." Cerebral palsy is associated with identified patterns of brain injury secondary to ischaemic or haemorrhagic lesions, perhaps modified by activation of inflammatory cytokines. Cerebral palsy rates have not fallen as might be expected over the past 10 years as survival has improved, perhaps because of increasing survival at low gestations, which is associated with the highest prevalence of cerebral palsy. Children who escape cerebral palsy are also at risk of motor impairments during the school years. The relationship of these impairments to perinatal factors or to neurological progress over the first postnatal year is debated. Neuromotor abnormalities are the most frequent of the "hidden disabilities" among ex-preterm children and are thus frequently associated with poorer cognitive ability and attention deficit disorders. Interventions to prevent cerebral palsy or to reduce these late disabilities in very preterm children are needed. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:241,248. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Symptoms of nicotine dependence in a cohort of Swedish youths: a comparison between smokers, smokeless tobacco users and dual tobacco usersADDICTION, Issue 4 2010Ann Post ABSTRACT Aims To determine whether symptoms of nicotine dependence, addiction and withdrawal symptoms differ between exclusive smokers, exclusive snus (moist snuff) users and dual users. Design A cross-sectional survey of a cohort subsample. Setting County of Stockholm, Sweden. Participants Current exclusive smokers (n = 466), exclusive snus users (n = 209) and dual users (n = 144), mean age 17.6 years. Measurements Self-reported life-time experience of nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms in periods of discontinued tobacco use. Selected items from the modified Fagerstöm Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ), the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Findings The odds ratio of endorsing each of four mFTQ items as well as the HONC item investigating the risk of feeling addicted to tobacco was two to five-fold higher for exclusive snus users and for dual users compared to exclusive smokers. One DSM-IV item (difficult to refrain from use) was elevated among dual users compared to smokers. Dual users reported the highest prevalence of any withdrawal symptom in contrast to exclusive snus users, who reported a lower risk of withdrawal symptoms compared to exclusive smokers. Conclusions Smokeless tobacco users show symptoms of nicotine dependence at least as frequently as cigarette smokers. Symptoms of nicotine dependence and of withdrawal during quit attempts are particularly frequent in the subgroup of users who combine smokeless tobacco with smoking. [source] Seasonal evaluation of reproductive status and exposure to environmental estrogens in hornyhead turbot at the municipal wastewater outfall of Orange County, CAENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Xin Deng Abstract Seasonal changes in developmental stages, condition factor (CF), gonadosomatic index, and plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) concentrations in male and female hornyhead turbot were examined at the wastewater outfall (T1) of the Orange County Sanitation District, and two farfield sites T11 (7.7 km northwest of the outfall) and Dana Point (35 km south of the outfall) between February 2005 and May 2006. Fish collected from the three sites exhibited male-oriented sex ratios. With few exceptions, developmental stages, CF, and GSI of both genders and plasma Vtg concentrations of females were not significantly different in samples collected from different sites at the same sampling period. More advanced gonad developmental stages and higher plasma Vtg concentrations in females were observed in August, indicating the seasonality of the reproductive cycle for this species. Plasma Vtg concentrations in males were observed in all of the sampling sites with the highest prevalence at T11 relative to T1 and Dana Point. The Vtg expression in males from the three sampling sites indicated widespread exposure to estrogenic compounds in waters of coastal California. However, the histopathological and reproductive relevance of the responses appeared to be insignificant and may not affect the population in these locations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 464,471, 2007. [source] Epidemiology and Symptomatology of Migraine Among School Children: Denizli Urban Area in TurkeyHEADACHE, Issue 8 2004Mehmet Zencir MD Objective.,This study was aimed at finding the prevalence, associated factors, and symptomatology of migraine among 5 to 8 grades of secondary and 9 to 11 grades of high school children (age range between 11 and 18 years old) in the Denizli urban area in the western part of Turkey. Background.,Data from the developed countries indicate that migraine is the most common cause of recurrent headaches in children. Also, childhood migraine is sufficiently severe to prevent the half of the suffering children from carrying on their usual daily activities. Methods.,A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted between May 2000 and June 2000. There were 2,490 participants selected by a multistage stratified clustered sampling procedure. A validated self-administered questionnaire designed according to the International Headache Society criteria was given to the school children of age between 11 and 18 years. Results.,Overall migraine prevalence was 8.8%; it was 6.7% in boys and 11.0% in girls (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.3). Among girls, the highest prevalence (17.7%) occurred at 15 years of age, but among boys, the highest prevalence (11.9%) occurred at 16 years of age. Of children with migraine, 56.5% had a positive family history, and only 29.1% visited a doctor for headache. Conclusion.,Migraine is a common health problem among school children in Denizli urban area and it often goes underdiagnosed. [source] Biopsy Strategies for Endoscopic Surveillance of Pre-malignant Gastric LesionsHELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2010Annemarie C. De Vries Abstract Background:, Endoscopic surveillance of pre-malignant gastric lesions may add to gastric cancer prevention. However, the appropriate biopsy regimen for optimal detection of the most advanced lesions remains to be determined. Therefore, we evaluated the yield of endoscopic surveillance by standardized and targeted biopsy protocols. Materials and Methods:, In a prospective, multi-center study, patients with intestinal metaplasia (IM) or dysplasia (DYS) underwent a surveillance gastroscopy. Both targeted biopsies from macroscopic lesions and 12 non-targeted biopsies according to a standardized protocol (antrum, angulus, corpus, cardia) were obtained. Appropriate biopsy locations and the yield of targeted versus non-targeted biopsies were evaluated. Results:, In total, 112 patients with IM (n = 101), or low-grade (n = 5) and high-grade DYS (n = 6) were included. Diagnosis at surveillance endoscopy was atrophic gastritis (AG) in one, IM in 77, low-grade DYS in two, high-grade DYS in three, and gastric cancer in one patient. The angulus (40%), antrum (35%) and lesser curvature of the corpus (33%) showed the highest prevalence of pre-malignant conditions. Non-targeted biopsies from the lesser curvature had a significantly higher yield as compared to the greater curvature of the corpus in diagnosing AG and IM (p = .05 and p = .03). Patients with extensive intragastric IM, which was also present at the cardia were at high risk of a concurrent diagnosis of dysplasia or gastric cancer. High-grade DYS was detected in targeted biopsies only. Conclusions:, At surveillance endoscopies, both targeted and non-targeted biopsies are required for an appropriate diagnosis of (pre-)malignant gastric lesions. Non-targeted biopsies should be obtained in particular from the antrum, angulus and lesser curvature of the corpus. [source] Helicobacter pylori, Ethnicity, and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Spectrum: A Study from the EastHELICOBACTER, Issue 2 2007Shanmugarajah Rajendra Abstract Background:, Ethnic differences in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications as well as racial variations in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection are well documented. Nevertheless, the association between reflux disease, H. pylori, and race has not been adequately explored. Aims:, We estimated the strength of the association between H. pylori, ethnicity, and the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) spectrum, including Barrett's esophagus, in Asian patients presenting for endoscopy in a tertiary referral center. Methods:, Prospectively, we studied 188 consecutive patients with GERD, short- and long-segment Barrett's esophagus, and controls. All patients underwent gastroscopy with gastric biopsies to assess H. pylori, gastritis, and atrophy. CagA status and H. pylori infection were determined by immunoblot assay. Results:, The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 52.1% (of which 77.6% were cagA+) and was lowest in the long-segment Barrett's esophagus group (36.7%) (p = .048). When Barrett's esophagus was present, the length of abnormality was 44.8% shorter in the presence of H. pylori (p = .015). Indians had the highest prevalence of H. pylori (75%) and Malays the lowest (19.6%) (p < .001). In Indians, increased prevalence of H. pylori and cagA -positive strains was associated with reduced severity of GERD (p < .004 and p < .001, respectively), a trend not apparent in the other races. Corpus atrophy, which was almost exclusively associated with H. pylori, was highest in Indians as compared to the other races (p = .013). Conclusions:, Presence of H. pylori was associated with a reduced severity of GERD spectrum disease in Asians, especially Indians. H. pylori infection may protect against complicated reflux disease via induction of corpus atrophy. [source] High incidence of rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart disease in the republics of Central AsiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 2 2009Nazgul A. OMURZAKOVA Abstract The epidemiological situation involving rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) not only remains unresolved but is also a cause of serious concern due to the rapid increase in the incidence of RF/RHD in many developing countries. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics of Central Asia experienced an economic decline that directly affected the public health sector of this region. This is the main cause of the high prevalence of many infectious diseases in Central Asia, including streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, which carries the risk of complications such as RF. The difficulty involved in early diagnosis of RF and the development of RHD among children and adolescents causes early mortality and sudden death, leading to economic damage in these countries due to the loss of the young working population. Among all the developing countries, Kyrgyzstan, which is located in the heart of Central Asia, has the highest prevalence of RF/RHD. The increase in the prevalence of RF in Central Asia can be attributed to factors such as the low standard of living and changes in the virulence of streptococci and their sensitivity to antibiotics. [source] Evidence that plumage bacteria influence feather coloration and body condition of eastern bluebirds Sialia sialisJOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Alex R. Gunderson Parasites influence the expression of secondary sexual traits and the health of infected individuals. We set out to test the influence of reputed exogenous parasites, plumage bacteria, including feather-degrading bacteria (FDB), on secondary sexual characteristics and body condition of wild adult eastern bluebirds Sialia sialis. Previous work has shown that FDB alter the coloration of structurally-colored bluebird feathers in vitro (Shawkey et al. 2007). In a correlational study of how bacteria affect birds in the wild, we found that female plumage got duller with increasing FDB intensity. Males tended to get brighter with increasing FDB intensity, but the relationship was not significant. We also found significant associations between plumage bacteria intensity and body condition, but, again, with gender-based differences. Female body condition was negatively associated with plumage bacteria intensity, while male body condition was positively associated with plumage bacteria intensity. Interestingly, plumage bacteria intensity of males and females in nesting pairs was significantly positively correlated. We also report the highest prevalence of FDB measured in a wild bird population, with FDB detected on 67/68 (99%) of individuals. Further work is needed to fully understand the relationships between plumage bacteria and birds, but our data indicate that plumage bacteria may have sex-dependent effects on multiple phenotypic traits. [source] Prevalence of Pelvic Paget's Disease of Bone in the United StatesJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000R. D. Altman M.D. Abstract The objective of this article was to estimate the prevalence of Paget's disease of bone in the United States from a statistically derived sample of the general population. Pelvic radiographs obtained in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-I) were reviewed for the presence of Paget's disease. Age, sex, and geographic distribution of Paget's disease of the pelvic region were determined. The overall prevalence of Paget's disease in the United States was estimated. Pelvic Paget's disease is estimated to be present in 0.71 + 0.18% of the radiographs of the general population. The disease was higher in frequency in people who were in the older decades of life with the highest prevalence of 2.32 + 0.54% in the 65- to 74-year-old people. There is a slight male predominance in the 45- to 74-year age group. The regional distribution suggests the highest prevalence in the Northeast (1.48 + 0.52%) with the lowest prevalence in the South (0.26 + 0.25%). The prevalence was equal in white people and black people. An estimate of the overall prevalence of Paget's disease in the United States was at least 1% and perhaps as much as 2% of the general population with near equal sex distribution and the highest prevalence in the northeastern United States. [source] High prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and its correlation with potentially causative medications among elderly veteransJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2005I. O. Poon PharmD BCPS CGP Summary Background:, Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a reduction of systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg from a sitting to a standing position. It is a common physical finding among older adults and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Use of medications that have the potential to induce OH, particularly concomitant use of several of such medications, is a major factor for the development of OH. Objectives:, To describe the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic OH in veterans aged 75 years and older attending a geriatric clinic, and to assess the association between OH and the number of potentially causative medications used. Methods:, Charts of all patients who attended a VA geriatric clinic (Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center) during the period of 1 June 2002 to 1 June 2003 were reviewed retrospectively for (i) the use of potentially causative medications, i.e. medications that were reported to cause OH in at least 1% of the general population and that were available in the VA formulary, (ii) the presence or absence of OH, and (iii) the presence or absence of symptomatic OH. Patients with primary autonomic dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, and patients who were unable to stand, or who had no assessment for both sitting and standing blood pressure for other reasons were excluded. Results:, A total of 505 individual patients attended the clinic during the study period, and 342 patients fit the inclusion criteria. About 189 of these patients (55%) had OH. Among patients with OH, 61 patients (33%) were symptomatic, including 52 patients who had falls. The prevalence of OH in patients receiving zero, one, two, and three or more potentially causative medications was 35, 58, 60 and 65% respectively. Receiving hydrochlorothiazide was associated with the highest prevalence of OH (65%), followed by receiving lisinopril (60%), trazodone (58%), furosemide (56%) and terazosin (54%). Conclusion:, The prevalence of OH is very high in older veterans and significantly related to the number of concurrent causative medications used. Providers should be educated to reduce the amount of potentially causative medications in the elderly and better assess patients in which use of such medications is necessary to avoid symptomatic OH. [source] Androgen profiles among Egyptian adults considering liver statusJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Cristina E Aguilar Abstract Background and aim:, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and environmental hepatotoxins may have an indirect influence on health by altering the synthesis and function of hormones, particularly reproductive hormones. We aimed to evaluate liver diseases and sex steroid hormones in Egypt, which has the highest prevalence of HCV worldwide. Methods:, We measured markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV and schistosomiasis infection as well as liver function in 159 apparently healthy subjects. We measured total testosterone (T), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, and calculated the free androgen index. Results:, Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 51% of men and 42% of women. Based on HCV reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) of 44 men and 33 women, 11% of men and 21% of women showed HCV viremia. There was schistosomiasis in 25% of men and 9% of women, and mixed HCV viremia and schistosomiasis in 57% of men and 52% of women. Compared with men with schistosomiasis only (mean 593.3 ± 73.4 ng/dL), T was higher in men with mixed HCV viremia and schistosomiasis (mean 854.5 ± 47.9 ng/dL; P = 0.006) and men with mixed chronic HCV and schistosomiasis (mean 812.1 ± 43.3 ng/dL; P = 0.001). Men with mixed chronic HCV and schistosomiasis had also significantly higher SHBG (mean 57.7 ± 3.9 ng/dL) than males with schistosomiasis only (mean 34.8 ± SE 4.5 ng/dL; P = 0.0003). Conclusion:, Future investigations should consider that a high prevalence of asymptomatic liver disease may alter associations between hormone concentrations and chronic disease etiology. [source] Phylogenetic and molecular analysis of HTLV-1 isolates from a medium sized town in Northern of Brazil: Tracing a common origin of the virus from the most endemic city in the country,JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 11 2008Themístocles Magalhães Abstract Salvador-Bahia has the highest prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in Brazil; about 2% of the population is infected. In this city, the prevalence of HTLV in pregnant women is 1%. There is no data of the HTLV-1 prevalence in others cities of the Bahia's Recôncavo, where the population has similar social and demography characteristics to those from Salvador. Our aim was to evaluate the seroprevalence of HTLV in pregnant women in Cruz das Almas-Bahia, a medium-sized city from the Bahia's Recôncavo. All individuals were tested for HTLV (ELISA) and the positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot. Phylogenetic analyses of the total LTR region were performed in all positive samples. We tested 408 samples (45.4% of the estimate pregnant women population) between June 1st and October 31, 2005. The prevalence of HTLV-1 infection was 0.98%. In addition, all isolated virus were grouped in the subtype HTLV-1a, in the Latin American group. Our results suggest that the introduction of HTLV-1 occurred after the slave trade into Salvador. In addition, HTLV-1-infection should be screened during the pregnancy in women originating from HTLV-1 endemic areas. J. Med. Virol. 80:2040,2045, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Slow-tonic muscle fibers and their potential innervation in the turtle, Pseudemys (Trachemys) scripta elegansJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Robert J. Callister Abstract A description is provided of the ratio of slow-tonic vs. slow- and fast-twitch fibers for five muscles in the adult turtle, Pseudemys (Trachemys) scripta elegans. The cross-sectional area of each fiber type and an estimation of the relative (weighted) cross-sectional area occupied by the different fiber types are also provided. Two hindlimb muscles (flexor digitorum longus, FDL; external gastrocnemius, EG) were selected on the basis of their suitability for future motor-unit studies. Three neck muscles (the fourth head of testo-cervicis, TeC4; the fourth head of retrahens capitus collique, RCCQ4; transversalis cervicis, TrC) were chosen for their progressively decreasing oxidative capacity. Serial sections were stained for myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), NADH-diaphorase, and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (,-GPDH). Conventional fiber-type classification was then performed using indirect markers for contraction speed and oxidative (aerobic) vs. glycolytic (anaerobic) metabolism: i.e., slow oxidative (SO, including slow-twitch and possibly slow-tonic fibers), fast-twitch, oxidative-glycolytic (FOG), and fast-twitch glycolytic (Fg) fibers. Slow-tonic fibers in the SO class were then revealed by directing the monoclonal antibody, ALD-58 (raised against the slow-tonic fiber myosin heavy chain of chicken anterior latissimus dorsi), to additional muscle cross sections. All five of the tested muscles contained the four fiber types, with the ATPase-stained fibers including both slow-tonic and slow-twitch fibers. The extreme distributions of SO fibers were in the predominately glycolytic TrC vs. the predominately oxidative TeC4 muscle (TrC,SO, 9%; FOG, 20%; Fg, 71% vs. TeC4,SO, 58%: FOG, 16%; Fg, 25%). Across the five muscles, the relative prevalence of slow-tonic fibers (4,47%) paralleled that of the SO fibers (9,58%). TeC4 had the highest prevalence of slow-tonic fibers (47%). The test muscles exhibited varying degrees of regional concentration of each fiber type, with the distribution of slow-tonic fibers paralleling that of the SO fibers. In the five test muscles, fiber cross-sectional area was usually ranked Fg > FOG > SO, and slow-twitch always > slow-tonic. In terms of weighted cross-sectional area, which provides a coarse-grain measure of each fiber type's potential contribution to whole muscle force, all five muscles exhibited a higher Fg and lower SO contribution to cross-sectional area than suggested by their corresponding fiber-type prevalence. This was also the case for the slow-twitch vs. slow-tonic fibers. We conclude that slow-tonic fibers are widespread in turtle muscle. The weighted cross-sectional area evidence suggested, however, that their contribution to force generation is minor except in highly oxidative muscles, with a special functional role, like TeC4. There is discussion of: 1) the relationship between the present results and previous work on homologous neck and hindlimb muscles in other nonmammalian species, and 2) the potential motoneuronal innervation of slow-tonic fibers in turtle hindlimb muscles. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prevalence, knowledge and care patterns for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in United States minority populationsALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010E. Yuen Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 645,654 Summary Background, While there is evidence of ethnic variation in the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, few population-based studies examine GERD symptom prevalence amongst the growing Hispanic minority in the US as well as Asians in the West. Aim, To examine the prevalence, awareness and care patterns for GERD across different ethnic groups. Methods, A population-based, cross-sectional survey was fielded in English, Chinese and Spanish that assessed self-reported GERD prevalence, awareness and care patterns in four ethnic groups (Caucasian, African American, Asian, Hispanic). Results, A total of 1172 subjects were included for analysis: 34.6% experienced GERD symptoms at least monthly, 26.2% at least weekly and 8.2% at least daily. Statistically significant differences in raw prevalence rates between racial groups were found: 50% of Hispanics experienced heartburn at least monthly, compared with 37% of Caucasians, 31% of African Americans and 20% of Asians (P > 0.0001). Significant differences in knowledge and care-seeking patterns by ethnicity were also observed. Conclusions, This study confirms the high prevalence of GERD symptoms in the US and introduces Hispanics as the ethnicity with the highest prevalence rate. Asians in the US have higher rates of symptoms than in the Far East. These data demonstrate a need for culturally appropriate education about GERD symptoms and treatment. [source] Common characteristics of upper and lower airways in rhinitis and asthma: ARIA update, in collaboration with GA2LENALLERGY, Issue 2007A. A. Cruz This update aimed to review the new evidence available to support or refute prior Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) statements. A Medline search of publications between 2000 and 2005 was conducted, with articles selected by experts. New evidence supports previous ARIA statements, such as: (i) allergic rhinitis (AR) is a risk factor for asthma; (ii) patients with persistent rhinitis should be evaluated for asthma; (iii) most patients with asthma have rhinitis; (iv) a combined strategy should be used to treat the airways and (v) in low- to middle-income countries, a different strategy may be needed. The increased risk of asthma has also been found among sufferers from non-AR. Recent reports show AR is a global problem. Many studies demonstrated parallel increasing prevalence of asthma and rhinitis, but in regions of highest prevalence, it may be reaching a plateau. Factors associated with a reduced risk of asthma and AR have been identified, confirming previous findings of protection related to exposure to infections. Treatment of rhinitis with intranasal glucocorticosteroids, antihistamines, leukotriene antagonists or immunotherapy may reduce morbidity because of asthma. To take advantage of the paradigm of unified airways, there is a need to rationalize diagnosis and treatment to optimize management. [source] Prevalence study of primary dystonia in IcelandMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 3 2006Hilmir Asgeirsson STUD MED Abstract In Iceland, the crude prevalence for all types of primary dystonia was 37.1/105 (confidence interval, 30.4,44.9). Focal dystonia had the highest prevalence (31.2/105), followed by segmental (3.1/105), multifocal (2.4/105) and generalized dystonia (0.3/105). Cervical dystonia was the most common focal dystonia (11.5/105), followed by limb dystonia (8.0/105), laryngeal dystonia (5.9/105), blepharospasm (3.1/105), and oromandibular dystonia (2.8/105). The male:female ratio for all patients was 1:1.9 (P = 0.0007), and females outnumbered males in all subtypes except oromandibular dystonia. Mean age of onset for all patients was 42.7 years (range, 3,82 years). This prevalence of primary dystonia is higher than in most reported studies, possibly because of more complete ascertainment but the relative frequencies of dystonia subtypes is similar. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society [source] Yeast associated with human infections in south-eastern NigeriaMYCOSES, Issue 6 2006L. N. Abia-Bassey Summary A total of 1921 specimens from nine clinical sources were examined by direct microscopy and culture to recover yeast associated with human infection. Identification of yeast was based on their carbon assimilation patterns, using API 20C AUX and ID 32 C (bioMérieux, France) commercial kits. A total of 178 specimens (9.3%) were positive for yeast. Most of the yeast isolates were recovered from urine samples and genital swabs. Prevalence was significantly higher in women (14.7%) than in men (1.4%) (P < 0.05). The age group 21,30 years recorded the highest prevalence of yeast infection (65.2%) followed by age group 11,20 years (16.9%) and >40 years (9.0%). When genital samples were considered, prevalence was significantly higher in the age group 21,30 years than that in older ones (P < 0.05). Isolates recovered included seven species of Candida and Trichosporon inkin. C. albicans accounted for the highest number of isolates (128) followed by C. tropicalis (23) and C. parapsilosis (9). Two isolates each of C. famata and C. norvegensis were recorded and are reported for the first time in Nigeria. The two isolates of T. inkin were recovered from perianal lesions and are also reported for the first time from Nigeria. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei were found to be the most common yeast species that act as agents of human disease in south-eastern Nigeria. [source] Ultraviolet-A and -B Differentially Modify the Tyrosine-Kinase Profile of Human Keratinocytes and Induce the Expression of Arg,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Gabriele Klosner To investigate the expression profile of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in response to UVA and UVB we employed a reversed transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach using degenerate primers derived from the conserved catalytic domain of PTKs. Quantitative real-time PCR with specific primers was used to confirm the influence of UV on the expression of the identified PTKs. Arg (Abelson-related gene, Abl2) was the PTK with the highest prevalence (30% of all PTKs) and UVA led to a further induction of Arg expression reaching nine-fold mRNA baseline expression at 17 h after irradiation. UVB was followed by an initial downregulation and a subsequent increase in Arg mRNA reaching five-fold baseline levels after 24 h. We conclude that UVA and UVB differentially modify the expression of PTKs in NHEK, and that Arg appears to have a major role in the response of keratinocytes to UV. These results provide a basis for further studies of PTK in UV-induced signaling that regulates protective responses, cell growth and carcinogenesis in the skin. [source] Prevalence of asthma by industry and occupation in the U.S. working populationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Michelle K. McHugh MS Abstract Background Workers are potentially exposed to asthmagens daily. Our study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of asthma among working adults in the U.S. by industry and occupation. Methods Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001,2004), multiple logistic regression was used to investigate associations between industry and occupation and current asthma as defined by positive responses to "Has a doctor or other health professional ever told you that you have asthma?" and "Do you still have asthma?" Results Workers in mining (17.0%), health-related industries (12.5%), teaching (13.1%), or in health-related occupations (12.6%) had the highest prevalence of asthma. As compared to construction industry workers, workers in mining (aOR,=,5.2, 95% CI: 1.1,24.2) or health-related (aOR,=,2.3, 95% CI: 1.1,4.8) industries had significantly higher odds of asthma. Conclusion Our study adds to the increasing evidence that miners, healthcare workers and teachers remain high-risk working populations and appropriate evaluation and control measures are needed to protect these workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:463,475, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Smoking and the Asian American workforce in the National Latino and Asian American StudyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010A.B. de Castro PhD, MSN/MPH Abstract Background Smoking among the Asian American workforce has not been extensively researched. This study examines smoking prevalence among a nationally representative sample of Asian Americans with an emphasis on occupational classification. Methods Cross-sectional data come from the National Latino and Asian American Study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine smoking prevalence by occupation, gender, and nativity, among 1,528 participants self-identifying as in the labor force. Results Blue collar workers reported the highest smoking prevalence (32%) followed by unemployed (19%), other (17%), service (14%), and white collar (10%). Among both employed males and females, blue collar workers had the highest prevalence (45% and 18%, respectively). By nativity, smoking was highest among blue collar workers for immigrants (25%) and highest among the unemployed for U.S. born (16%). Blue collar employment was significantly associated with being a current smoker (OR,=,2.52; 95% CI: 1.23,5.16; P,<,0.05) controlling for demographics (e.g., age, gender, ethnic group, nativity, etc.). Conclusions Findings reveal that smoking differs by occupation among Asian Americans. Future research should examine factors explaining differences while considering gender and nativity. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:171,178 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prevalence of cigarette smoking by occupation and industry in the United States,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001Ki Moon Bang PhD Abstract Background This study was undertaken to estimate the most recent prevalence of cigarette smoking by occupation and industry in the US, using the data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988,1994. Methods Included in NHANES III are data on the cigarette smoking status, occupation, industry, and other demographic information of US non-institutionalized civilians obtained through household interview surveys. The study population included 20,032 adults aged 17 years and older. To estimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking across occupation and industry groups, we used the Survey Data Analysis (SUDAAN) software. Results The prevalence of cigarette smoking was highest among material moving occupations, construction laborers, and vehicle mechanics and repairers. The lowest smoking prevalence was found among teachers. Among industry groups, the construction industry had the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking. Conclusions These findings provide information useful for targeting education activities focusing on adverse health effects of cigarette smoking and also for indirect adjustments in analysis of morbidity and mortality by occupation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:233,239, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Epidemiology of Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis: Geographic Distribution and Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnostic TechniquesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 5 2010GD Mshelia Contents Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis (BVC) is a major cause of economic loss to the cattle industries in different parts of the world. Camplylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the main causative agent of BVC, is highly adapted to the genital tract of cattle and is transmitted by carrier bulls. However, infertility and abortions can also be caused by the intestinal pathogens C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff), and C. jenuni, which are not venereally transmitted. Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, caused by Cfv associated with lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals, has the highest prevalence in developing countries where natural breeding in cattle is widely practised. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of the disease have been the subject of previous reviews. The main focus of this review is to highlight the epidemiology of this disease with particular reference to geographical distribution and recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. It is hoped that further research interest of scientists will be stimulated with a view to finding lasting solutions to the reproductive problems associated with the disease for better livestock productivity, particularly in developing endemic countries. [source] The Variety of Ecstasy/MDMA Users: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related ConditionsTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 6 2009Li-Tzy Wu ScD This study investigates the potential heterogeneity of ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) users. Data came from the 2001,2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression procedures were used to identify subtypes of ecstasy users. Approximately 1.6% (n = 562) of adult participants (N = 43,093) reported lifetime ecstasy use. LCA identified three subtypes of ecstasy users. Class 1 exhibited pervasive use ofmost drug classes (ecstasy-polydrug users, 37%). Class 2 reported a high rate of use of marijuana and cocaine and a moderate use of amphetamines (ecstasy-marijuana-stimulant users, 29%). Class 3 was characterized by a high rate of use of marijuana and a low use ofprimarily prescription-type drugs (ecstasy-marijuana users, 34%). Subtypes were distinguished by family income, history ofsubstance abuse treatment, and familial substance abuse. Class 1 exhibited the highest prevalence of disorders related to the use of marijuana (77%), tobacco (66%), amphetamines (36%), opioids (35%), sedatives (31%), and tranquilizers (30%). The recent resurgence in ecstasy use among adults underscores the need to monitor trends in its use. [source] Annotation: Paediatric HIV InfectionTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 4 2001Rebekah Lwin HIV and AIDS have made a huge global impact, permeating the social, cultural, and economic fabric of almost all nations. The first cases of HIV infection in children were reported in the late 1980s and numbers have since risen steadily throughout the world, with some of the poorest and least developed countries experiencing the highest prevalence. Combined drug regimes have changed the course of HIV-related illness and brought increased survival to those for whom treatment is available. With this, however, have come fresh concerns relating to drug resistance, treatment adherence, and the risk of second-generation vertical transmission as HIV-infected children now survive into adulthood and beyond. The psychological literature has addressed issues such as the direct effect of HIV on child development, social and cultural attitudes, family functioning and support, affected children and orphans of HIV-infected parents, sexual health education, disclosure of diagnosis, and long-term clinical management. The outcome for those living in wealthier countries is optimistic, but the spread of this virus in the rest of the world and its impact on family life and social and political systems remains of great concern. [source] Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workersAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 5 2009Helen Harcombe Abstract Objectives: To describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in New Zealand nurses, postal workers and office workers. Methods: A postal survey asked participants about MSDs, (low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand or knee pain lasting longer than one day), and demographic, physical and psychosocial factors. Nurses were randomly selected from the Nursing Council database, postal workers from their employer's database and office workers from the 2005 electoral roll. Results: The response rate of potentially eligible participants was 58% (n=443). Participants were aged 20,59 years; 86% were female. Over the 12 months prior to the survey 88% of respondents had at least one MSD lasting longer than a day and 72% reported an MSD present for at least seven days. Of the 1,003 MSDs reported, 18% required time off work and 24% required modified work duties. In the month prior to the survey 17% of MSDs made functional tasks difficult or impossible. Low back, neck and shoulder pain prevalence did not differ by occupation. Postal workers had the highest prevalence of elbow and wrist/hand pain; nurses of knee pain. Conclusions: The high prevalence of MSDs among these workers indicates that they are indeed in ,at risk' occupations. In each occupational group MSDs encompass a range of anatomical sites, however the overall pattern of MSDs differs by occupation. MSDs have a significant impact on activities at work and home. Implications: Primary and secondary prevention strategies should encompass a range of anatomical sites and specifically target different occupational groups. [source] Social disadvantage: Its impact on the use of Medicare services related to diabetes in NSWAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2002Jane Overland Objective: To use Medicare data to examine the impact of social disadvantage on the use of health services related to diabetes. Method: Information on number of diabetic individuals and number of services for select Medicare item codes were retrieved by New South Wales postcodes using a Health Insurance Commission data file. The postcodes were graded into quintiles of social disadvantage. Results: People at most social disadvantage were significantly less likely to be under the care of a general practitioner (adjusted OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.40,0.41) or consultant physician (adjusted OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.48,0.53), despite this group having the highest prevalence of diabetes. The difference in attendance to other specialists was less marked but nevertheless significant (adjusted OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.68,0.75). Once under a doctor's care, patients at most disadvantage were slightly more likely to undergo HbA1c or microalbuminuria estimation (adjusted OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00,1.10 and adjusted OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.12,1.33, respectively) but were less likely to undergo lipid or HDL cholesterol estimation (adjusted OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.48,0.53 and adjusted OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79,0.90, respectively). Conclusion: While access to medical care is decreased for people at most social disadvantage, once under a doctor's care they receive a level of monitoring that is relatively equal to that provided to people less disadvantaged. Implication: Strategies are required to ensure equal access to medical services for all persons with diabetes, especially for persons who are at most social and medical disadvantage. [source] Descriptive epidemiologic features shared by birth defects thought to be related to vascular disruption in Texas, 1996,2002,BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 6 2008Tasneem Husain Abstract BACKGROUND:In utero vascular disruptions are thought to be associated with a variety of birth defects. This study examined the descriptive epidemiology of several of those defects using data from a large birth defects registry. METHODS: Data on birth defects ascertained from pregnancies in 1996,2002 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. Using Poisson regression, we calculated crude and adjusted associations between maternal and infant characteristics and birth defects thought to be related to vascular disruption. We repeated the analysis using isolated cases and cases occurring in mothers <20 years. RESULTS: The most commonly shared pattern was observed for plurality and five defects: large intestinal atresia (PR 3.67; CI: 1.63,7.13), renal agenesis (PR 2.05; CI: 1.55,2.65), transverse limb deficiency (PR 1.85; CI: 1.28,2.57), porencephaly (PR 5.18; CI: 2.40,9.87), and Goldenhar syndrome (PR 3.45; CI: 1.04,8.53). Hispanics had the highest prevalence of gastroschisis (PR 1.21; CI: 1.05,1.40), transverse limb deficiency (PR 1.19; CI: 1.01,1.40), microtia/anotia (PR 2.22; CI: 1.83,2.70), and Poland anomaly (PR 1.90; CI: 1.26,2.93). Male infants were at greatest risk for renal agenesis (PR 1.58; CI: 1.40,1.80), porencephaly (PR 1.66; CI: 1.03,2.72), and Poland anomaly (PR 1.52; CI: 1.05,2.21). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed findings in previous studies, but also uncovered several new associations. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Human prostate cancer risk factors,,§CANCER, Issue S10 2004David G. Bostwick M.D. Abstract Prostate cancer has the highest prevalence of any nonskin cancer in the human body, with similar likelihood of neoplastic foci found within the prostates of men around the world regardless of diet, occupation, lifestyle, or other factors. Essentially all men with circulating androgens will develop microscopic prostate cancer if they live long enough. This review is a contemporary and comprehensive, literature-based analysis of the putative risk factors for human prostate cancer, and the results were presented at a multidisciplinary consensus conference held in Crystal City, Virginia, in the fall of 2002. The objectives were to evaluate known environmental factors and mechanisms of prostatic carcinogenesis and to identify existing data gaps and future research needs. The review is divided into four sections, including 1) epidemiology (endogenous factors [family history, hormones, race, aging and oxidative stress] and exogenous factors [diet, environmental agents, occupation and other factors, including lifestyle factors]); 2) animal and cell culture models for prediction of human risk (rodent models, transgenic models, mouse reconstitution models, severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome mouse models, canine models, xenograft models, and cell culture models); 3) biomarkers in prostate cancer, most of which have been tested only as predictive factors for patient outcome after treatment rather than as risk factors; and 4) genotoxic and nongenotoxic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The authors conclude that most of the data regarding risk relies, of necessity, on epidemiologic studies, but animal and cell culture models offer promise in confirming some important findings. The current understanding of biomarkers of disease and risk factors is limited. An understanding of the risk factors for prostate cancer has practical importance for public health research and policy, genetic and nutritional education and chemoprevention, and prevention strategies. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society. [source] Assessment of recombinant dog allergens Can f 1 and Can f 2 for the diagnosis of dog allergyCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 10 2004S. Saarelainen Summary Background The use of recombinant allergens for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of allergy may offer several advantages over allergen extracts. Objective To produce recombinant dog allergens Can f 1 and Can f 2 in Pichia pastoris yeast and to assess their suitability for the diagnosis of dog allergy. Methods Clinically diagnosed dog-allergic patients' and healthy non-atopic dog owners' reactivities against recombinant Can f 1 and Can f 2 and commercial dog epithelial extract were studied by a panel of methods including skin prick test (SPT), ELISA and IgE immunoblotting. Results Recombinant Can f 1 and Can f 2 were found immunologically functional: they bound dog-allergic patients' IgE in immunoblotting and inhibited specifically the binding of IgE to their natural counterparts in the dog allergen extract. Moreover, patients' IgE reactivity in immunoblotting to natural Can f 1 and their SPT with the recombinant allergen were perfectly concordant (, coefficient 1.0, P<0.001). The concordance was slightly lower with recombinant Can f 2 (, coefficient 0.92, P<0.001). A lower number of dog-allergic patients, 52%, reacted against Can f 1 than previously reported. About one-third of the patients reacted to Can f 2. In immunoblotting, the highest prevalence of reactivity, 60%, was directed to an 18 kDa component. Aminoterminal sequencing showed this to be a previously unidentified allergenic protein. Conclusions The recombinant allergens can be used reliably to identify Can f 1 and Can f 2-sensitized individuals. However, the two allergens are insufficient as reagents for diagnosing dog allergy. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||