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Western Populations (western + population)
Selected AbstractsAntibodies to neutrophil cytoplasma in patients with ulcerative colitis and their first-degree relatives in ThailandJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 8 2001Charkaphan Osangthamnont Abstract Background: The prevalence of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) does not significantly vary in ethnically diverse populations. The prevalence of p-ANCA is high in ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. While the prevalence of ulcerative colitis in Asian populations is low, it is interesting to know the prevalence of p-ANCA in such a population. Methods: Sera from 33 cases of ulcerative colitis diagnosed during the last 10 years at the diarrhea clinic, Division of Gastroenterology, Siriraj Hospital, were prospectively compared with case controls consisting of 15 cases of diarrhea from non-inflammatory bowel diseases and 25 non-diarrheic patients. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect p-ANCA in all the sera. Results: Positive p-ANCA tests were found in 13 of the 33 patients with ulcerative colitis and in one of the 40 controls. Sensitivity of the test was 39.4% and the specificity was 97.5%. The one patient with positive p-ANCA in the control group was the patient with irritable bowel syndrome. Of the 13 p-ANCA-positive ulcerative colitis patients, two cases were found to have proctosigmoiditis, seven cases had left-sided colitis, and four cases had pancolitis. Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies was one of the 22 cases of first-degree relatives of ulcerative colitis patients (22 relatives from 12 index ulcerative colitis cases). There was no correlation between the positivity of p-ANCA and disease activity, and extent of the disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of p-ANCA in Thai patients with ulcerative colitis (39.4%) is lower than that in the Western population. Although the prevalence of p-ANCA is low in the Thai population, it should serve as a useful tool in diagnosing ulcerative colitis in this part of the world where the disease is uncommon and difficult to diagnose. The negativity of p-ANCA in almost all first-degree relatives of Thai ulcerative colitis patients should be further elucidated. [source] Review article: herbal treatment in gastrointestinal and liver disease,benefits and dangersALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2001L. Langmead Herbal medicines are now used by up to 50% of the Western population, in a substantial minority of instances for the treatment or prevention of digestive disorders. Although most indications for the use of such remedies are anecdotally or traditionally derived, controlled trials suggest some benefits for ginger in nausea and vomiting, liquorice extracts in peptic ulceration, Chinese herbal medicine in irritable bowel syndrome, opium derivatives in diarrhoea and senna, ispaghula and sterculia in constipation. Herbal preparations contain many bioactive compounds with potentially deleterious as well as beneficial effects. There is clearly a need for greater education of patients and doctors about herbal therapy, for legislation to control the quality of herbal preparations, and in particular for further randomized controlled trials to establish the value and safety of such preparations in digestive and other disorders. [source] BT05 MODERN MANAGEMENT OF COLONIC DIVERTICULITIS IN THE OBESEANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 2009S. White Colonic diverticulitis is a dietary disorder of the ageing Western population associated with a low intake of oral fibre. Symptoms develop in only 10% of patients and overall only 1% of patients experience a complication. CT scan is the investigation of choice, although CT fails to predict clinical outcomes in many cases. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is reliably managed by antibiotics in the great majority of cases. So much so that enthusiasm for elective surgical resection after two documented attacks is waning, particularly in the high risk patient i.e. obese. Complicated diverticulitis (abscess, peritonitis, fistulae, stricture or bleeding) that fails conservative management is traditionally treated by open Hartmann's rectosigmoidectomy. Alternatives to laparoscopy are particularly helpful in the obese where large incisions cause significant problems with pain management, patient mobilisation and wound breakdown with hernia. Endoscopic management of acute diverticular bleeding and stricture with obstruction is well described. Radiological management of diverticular abscess is widely available Laparoscopic washout for purulent peritonitis is new whilst laparoscopic resection for faecal peritonitis is proven. Technical aspects of colonic diverticular surgery in the obese will be discussed and our experiences with laparoscopic, colonoscopic and radiological management complicated diverticulitis will be presented. [source] Predicting short-term disease progression among HIV-infected patients in Asia and the Pacific region: preliminary results from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)HIV MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005J Zhou Objectives HIV disease progression has been well documented in Western populations. This study aimed to estimate the short-term risk of AIDS and death from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), a prospective, multicentre cohort study in Asia and the Pacific region. Methods Prospective data were analysed to estimate short-term disease progression. Endpoints were defined as the time from study entry to diagnosis with AIDS or death. Antiretroviral treatment was fitted as a time-dependent variable. Predictors of disease progression were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, and prognostic models were developed using Weibull models. Results A total of 1260 patients with prospective follow-up data contributed 477 person-years of follow-up, during which 18 patients died and 34 were diagnosed with AIDS, a combined rate of 10.1 per 100 person-years. Compared with patients receiving antiretroviral treatment, patients not on treatment had a higher rate of disease progression (17.6 vs. 8.1 per 100 person-years, respectively). Baseline CD4 count was the strongest predictor of disease progression. Prognostic models, using either a baseline CD4 count as the sole marker or markers including baseline haemoglobin, AIDS-related symptoms and previous or current antiretroviral treatment, were successful at identifying patients at high risk of short-term disease progression. Conclusions Similar to the situation in Western countries, baseline CD4 count was the strongest predictor of short-term disease progression. Prognostic models based on readily available clinical data and haemoglobin level should be useful in estimating short-term clinical risk in HIV-infected patients in Asia and the Pacific region. [source] Major affective disorders and schizophrenia: a common molecular signature?,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 9 2006Ann Van Den Bogaert Abstract Psychiatric disorders, including affective disorders (AD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are among the most common disabling brain diseases in Western populations and result in high costs in terms of morbidity as well as mortality. Although their etiology and pathophysiology is largely unknown, family-, twin-, and adoption studies argue for a strong genetic determination of these disorders. These studies indicate that there is between 40 and 85% heritability for these disorders but point also to the importance of environmental factors. Therefore, any research strategy aiming at the identification of genes involved in the development of AD and SZ should account for the complex nature (multifactorial) of these disorders. During the last decade, molecular genetic studies have contributed a great deal to the identification of genetic factors involved in complex disorders. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the most promising genes for AD and SZ, and the methods and approaches that were used for their identification. Also, we discuss the current knowledge and hypotheses that have been formulated regarding the effect of variations on protein functioning as well as recent observations that point to common molecular mechanisms. Hum Mutat 27(9), 833,853, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Diabetes, kidney disease and anaemia: time to tackle a troublesome triad?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2007S. Al-Khoury Summary Both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type II diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing in frequency among Western populations and both are potent risk factors for the development of anaemia. The presence of CKD and diabetes together represent the most important aetiopathogenic combination for the development of anaemia. New evidence has highlighted some of the underlying mechanisms which make diabetic patients more susceptible to dyserythropoiesis, particularly once they have developed concomitant CKD. In addition, recent publications from large-scale epidemiological studies have highlighted the impact of anaemia on diabetic patients. The purpose of this review was to focus on the pathophysiology and impact of anaemia in DM. [source] A case of bilateral scapholunate advanced collapse in a Romano-British skeleton from AncasterINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 3 2006A. M. Roberts Abstract Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the wrist (radiocarpal joint) is relatively uncommon in modern Western populations, usually occurring as a result of trauma. Clinically, scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) is the most common pattern of DJD seen in the wrist, involving a progressive destruction of the radioscaphoid and then the capitolunate joint. There is only one report of SLAC wrist in the palaeopathological literature. In this paper, we report on another ancient case of bilateral SLAC wrists, found in a Roman skeleton from Ancaster, Lincolnshire. The osteological analysis of ANC 01 217 skeleton determined that this was an elderly but robust adult (50+ years) male, about 165,cm tall. The bones were sufficiently well preserved to allow inspection of joint surfaces. The bones were also radiographed. Osteoarthritis (OA) was diagnosed according to accepted palaeopathological criteria: principally the presence of eburnation on a joint surface. Eburnation was found at the articular surfaces of the wrist joint and numerous intercarpal joints bilaterally. The pattern of joints affected matched modern clinical descriptions of SLAC wrist. Radiographic changes characteristic of OA were identifiable at the wrist joint, but not at the intercarpal joints. This case proves that SLAC wrist is identifiable in dry bones, but the discrepancy between the observational and radiographic findings highlights the problems encountered when attempting to compare disease in archaeological versus modern populations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Efficacy and safety of on-demand tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in South-East Asian menINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2006YING LU GUO Aim:, Tadalafil is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The efficacy and safety of tadalafil have been evaluated extensively in Western populations. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of on-demand tadalafil for the treatment of ED in South-East Asian men. Methods:, This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of men with mild to severe ED of various etiologies randomized to receive placebo (n = 122), tadalafil 10 mg (n = 120), or tadalafil 20 mg (n = 125), taken as needed (maximum once daily) for 12 weeks. Efficacy assessments included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) diary, and a Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Results:, Men from China, Singapore, and the Philippines participated in this trial (n = 367). Compared with placebo, tadalafil significantly improved erectile dysfunction on all efficacy outcomes (P < 0.001). Patients receiving tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg experienced a significant mean improvement of 8.1 and 8.7, respectively, in the IIEF Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score from baseline (vs placebo 2.4, P < 0.001). In patients receiving tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg, the mean per-patient success rate for intercourse attempts (SEP3) was 62% and 70%, respectively, compared with 32% for the placebo group (P < 0.001). Of patients who received tadalafil 10 mg and 20 mg, 81% and 86% reported improved erections at endpoint (GAQ) compared with 44% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The most common adverse events reported by patients were headache, back pain, dyspepsia, and dizziness. Conclusions:, Tadalafil was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for South-East Asian men with ED. [source] Carbonated Soft Drink Consumption and Bone Mineral Density in Adolescence: The Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2003C McGartland Abstract In an observational study of 1335 boys and girls aged 12 and 15 years, higher intakes of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) were significantly associated with lower bone mineral density at the heel, but only in girls. Owing to the upward trend in CSD intake in adolescence, this finding may be of concern. Introduction: High consumption of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) during adolescence may reduce bone mineral accrual and increase fracture risk. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between CSD consumption and bone mineral density (BMD) in a representative sample of adolescents. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in 36 postprimary schools in Northern Ireland. Participants included 591 boys and 744 girls either 12 or 15 years old. BMD was measured by DXA, and usual beverage consumption was assessed by the diet history method. Adjusted regression modeling was used to investigate the influence of CSD on BMD. Results: A significant inverse relationship between total CSD intake and BMD was observed in girls at the dominant heel (,, ,0.099; 95% CI, ,0.173 to ,0.025). Non-cola consumption was inversely associated with dominant heel BMD in girls (,, ,0.121; 95% CI, ,0.194 to ,0.048), and diet drinks were also inversely associated with heel BMD in girls (,, ,0.087; 95% CI, ,0.158 to ,0.016). However, no consistent relationships were observed between CSD intake and BMD in boys. Cola consumption and nondiet drinks were not significantly related to BMD in either sex. Conclusion: CSD consumption seems to be inversely related to BMD at the dominant heel in girls. It is possible that the apparent association results from the displacement of more nutritious beverages from the diet. Although the inverse association observed between CSD consumption and BMD is modest and confined to girls, this finding may have important public health implications given the widespread use and current upward trend in CSD consumption in Western populations. [source] Literature review: considerations in undertaking focus group research with culturally and linguistically diverse groupsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 6 2007Elizabeth J Halcomb BN, IC Cert Aims., This integrated literature review seeks to identify the key considerations in conducting focus groups and discusses the specific considerations for focus group research with culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Background., The focus group method is a technique of group interview that generates data through the opinions expressed by participants. Focus groups have become an increasingly popular method of data collection in health care research. Although focus groups have been used extensively with Western populations, they are a particularly useful tool for engaging culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The success of focus groups in this context is dependent upon the cultural competence of the research team and the research questions. Methods., The electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Psychlit and the Internet using the Google Scholar search engine were explored using the search terms ,focus group', ,cultural sensitivity', ,transcultural nursing', ,transcultural care', ,cultural diversity' and ,ethnic groups'. Hand searching of reference lists and relevant journals was also undertaken. English language articles were selected for the review if they discussed the following issues: (i) methodological implications of the focus group method; (ii) strengths and limitations of the focus group method; (iii) recommendations for researchers and (iv) use of the focus group in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Conclusions were drawn from each of the articles and consensus regarding a summary of recommendations was derived from a minimum of two authors. Results., Findings from this review revealed several key issues involving focus group implementation including recruitment, sample size, data collection, data analysis and use within multicultural populations. Strengths and limitations of the focus group method were also identified. Conclusions., Focus groups are a useful tool to expand existing knowledge about service provision and identify consumer needs that will assist in the development of future intervention programmes, particularly within multicultural populations. Careful planning related to methodological and pragmatic issues are critical in deriving effective data and protecting participants. Relevance to clinical practice., Focus groups can facilitate increased understanding of perspectives of culturally and linguistically diverse groups and thereby shape clinical practice to better meet the needs of these groups. [source] What cause of mortality can we predict by cholesterol screening in the Japanese general population?JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2003T. Okamura Abstract., Okamura T, Kadowaki T, Hayakawa T, Kita Y, Okayama A, Ueshima H (Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan; Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Iwate, Japan). What cause of mortality can we predict by cholesterol screening in the Japanese general population? J Intern Med 2003; 253: 169,180. Objective., In a population with a markedly lower coronary mortality such as in Japan, the benefit of cholesterol screening may be different from Western populations. We attempted to assess the importance of cholesterol screening in Japan. Design., A 13.2-year cohort study for cause-specific mortality. Setting., Three hundred randomly selected districts throughout Japan in which the National Survey on Circulatory Disorders 1980 was performed. Subjects., A total of 9216 community dwelling persons aged 30 years and over, with standardized serum cholesterol measurement and without a past history of cardiovascular disease. Results., There were 1206 deaths, which included 462 deaths due to cardiovascular disease with 79 coronary heart diseases. Hypercholesterolemia (>6.21 mmol L,1) showed a significant positive relation to coronary mortality (relative risk; 2.93, 95% confidence interval; 1.52,5.63) but not to stroke. Although hypocholesterolemia (<4.14 mmol L,1) was significantly associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, noncardiovascular, noncancer disease and all-cause mortality, these associations, except for liver cancer, disappeared after excluding deaths in the first 5 years of the follow-up. The multivariate adjusted attributable risk of hypercholesterolaemia for coronary disease was 0.98 per 1000 person-years, which was threefold higher than that of hypocholesterolemia for liver cancer: 0.32 per 1000 person-years. The attributable risk percentage of hypercholesterolaemia was 66% for coronary heart disease. Conclusion., Similar to Western populations, it is recommended to provide screening for hypercholesterolaemia in Japan, especially for males, although its attributable risk for coronary disease might be small. [source] Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome in China: a population-based endoscopy study of prevalence and impactALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010Y. Zhao Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 562,572 Summary Background, Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in Western populations. Aim, To determine the epidemiology of dyspepsia and IBS in China. Methods, A representative sample of 18 000 adults from five regions of China were asked to complete the modified Rome II questionnaire; 20% were asked to complete the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Participants from Shanghai were invited to provide blood samples and undergo oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results, The survey was completed by 16 091 individuals (response rate: 89.4%). Overall, 387 participants (2.4%) had dyspepsia and 735 (4.6%) had IBS. All SF-36 dimension scores were at least five points lower in individuals with than without dyspepsia or IBS (P , 0.001). In Shanghai, 1030 (32.7%) of the 3153 respondents agreed to endoscopy; neither dyspepsia nor IBS was found to be associated with reflux oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection. Conclusions, Prevalence estimates for dyspepsia and IBS in China are lower than in Western populations. In China, dyspepsia or IBS symptoms are generally not associated with underlying organic disease. [source] Posttyphoon prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder in a Vietnamese sample,JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 3 2009Ananda B. Amstadter In 2006, typhoon Xangsane disrupted a multiagency health needs study of 4,982 individuals in Vietnam. Following this disaster, 798 of the original participants were reinterviewed to determine prevalence and risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Posttyphoon prevalences were PTSD 2.6%, MDD 5.9%, PD 9.3%, and GAD 2.2%. Of those meeting criteria for a disorder, 70% reported only one disorder, 15% had two, 14% had three, and 1% met criteria for all four disorders. Risk factors for posttyphoon psychopathology differed among disorders, but generally were related to high typhoon exposure, prior trauma exposure, and in contrast to Western populations, higher age, but not gender. [source] HBV core sequence: definition of genotype-specific variability and correlation with geographical originJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 6 2004M. Jazayeri Summary., There are eight genotypes and nine subtypes of HBV. Small differences in geographical origin are associated with sequence changes in the surface gene. Here, we compared core gene sequences from different genotypes and geographical regions. Specific combinations of 24 amino acid substitutions at nine residues allowed allocation of a sequence to a subtype. Six of these nine residues were located in different T cell epitopes depending on HBV geographical area and/or genotype. Thirty-seven nucleotide changes were associated uniquely with specific genotypes and subtypes. Unique amino acid and nucleotide variants were found in a majority of sequences from specific countries as well as within subtype ayw2 and adr. Specific nucleotide motifs were defined for Korean, Indian, Chinese, Italian and Pacific region isolates. Finally, we observed amino acid motifs that were common to either South-east Asian or Western populations, irrespective of subtype. We believe that HBV strains spread within constrained ethnic groups, result in selection pressures that define sequence variability within each subtype. It suggests that particular T cell epitopes are specific for geographical regions, and thus ethnic groups; this may affect the design of immunomodulatory therapies. [source] The cost-effectiveness of high-dose oral proton pump inhibition after endoscopy in the acute treatment of peptic ulcer bleedingALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2004A. N. Barkun Summary Background :,Recent data suggest a role for high-dose oral proton pump inhibition in ulcer bleeding. Aim :,To compare the cost-effectiveness of oral high-dose proton pump inhibition to both high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibition and placebo administration. Methods :,The model adopted a 30-day time horizon, and focused on patients with ulcer haemorrhage initially treated endoscopically for high-risk stigmata. Re-bleeding rates were set a priori based on non-head-to-head data from the literature, and charges and lengths of stay from a national American database. Sensitivity analyses were carried across a broad range of clinically relevant assumptions. Results :,Re-bleeding rates for patients receiving intravenous, oral, or placebo therapies were 5.9%, 11.8%, and 27%, respectively. The mean lengths of stay and costs for admitted patients with and without re-bleeding were 4.7 and 3 days; $11 802, and $7993, respectively. High-dose intravenous proton pump inhibition was more effective and less costly (dominant) than high-dose oral proton pump inhibition with incremental savings of $136.40 per patient treated. The oral high-dose strategy in turn dominated placebo administration. Results remained robust according to one- and two-way sensitivity analyses. Conclusion :,In patients undergoing endoscopic haemostasis, subsequent high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibition is more cost-effective than high-dose oral proton pump inhibition, which in turn dominates placebo. The results from this exploratory-type cost analysis require confirmation by head-to-head prospective trials performed in Western populations. [source] Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux: prevalence, severity, duration and associated factors in a Spanish populationALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2004M. Diaz-Rubio Summary Aim :,To measure the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms and to identify associated factors in a representative sample of the Spanish population. Methods :,A telephone survey of 2500 subjects was performed using a validated questionnaire. The association of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (defined as the presence of heartburn or acid regurgitation) and their clinical characteristics with potential risk factors was summarized using the odds ratios (OR) obtained by multiple logistic regression. Results :,The response rate was 71.2%. The annual prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms was 31.6%[95% confidence interval (CI), 29.8,33.4] and the weekly prevalence was 9.8% (95% CI, 8.6,10.9). Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms were associated with excess weight (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.23,1.92), obesity (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.30,2.32), the psychosomatic symptom score (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.41,3.67) and the presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in a direct family member (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17,2.23). Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms of ,,10 years' duration were more frequent in obese subjects (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.14,3.22) and those with a direct family member with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.44,4.06). Factors associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms of ,,1 year duration were a spouse with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.39,3.9) and the consumption of 1,5 aspirins/week (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.01,2.86). Conclusions :,The prevalence of frequent gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in Spain is lower than that observed in other Western populations. The psychosomatic symptom score is the factor most strongly associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. Long-term gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are associated with certain genetic factors (obesity, family history of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms), whereas short-term gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are associated with factors of probable environmental nature. [source] Relationship between body image and lifestyle factors in Japanese adolescent girlsPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2009Kyoko Mori Abstract Background:, Body image, defined here as an inaccurate perception of personal bodyweight, plays a significant role in the development of obesity, eating problems and eating disorders. Certain lifestyle factors may influence an individual's body image, but current knowledge is based mainly on studies in Western populations. Methods:, The associations between body image and lifestyle factors were investigated in samples of the Japanese female adolescent population. Results:, Respondents who reported that they ate meals slowly (odds ratio [OR] 1.81, P < 0.001) or only consumed small amounts of food (OR 3.17, P < 0.001) were more likely to underestimate their body image, as determined by their body mass index, than eaters who had average behavior for this age group. Individuals who reported eating faster (OR 1.47, P < 0.001) or consuming large amounts (OR 1.67, P < 0.001); those who do not eat breakfast on a daily basis (OR 1.35, P = 0.006); those who go to bed later than the average time for this age group (OR 1.38, P < 0.001) or sleep <7 h (OR 1.40, P < 0.001) and those individuals who rarely exercise (OR 1.27, P = 0.03) were more likely to overestimate their body image, as determined by BMI, compared with those who had average eating, sleeping and exercise behaviors for this age group. Conclusions:, Variation from the norm in eating, sleeping and exercise behaviors showed a relationship with a distorted perception of body image in Japanese adolescent girls. These findings are of potential importance in understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of body image and for exploring interventional approaches. [source] Vertebral artery atherosclerosis: a risk factor in the use of manipulative therapy?PHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2002Jeanette Mitchell BSc (Physiotherapy), MSc Senior Lecturer Abstract Background and Purpose Vertebrobasilar insufficiency, a direct result of compromised blood flow in the vertebrobasilar circulation, may be caused by stretching and/or compression of the vertebral arteries, particularly if superimposed on underlying atherosclerosis of the vessels. This is an important consideration when using manipulative therapy techniques. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of atherosclerosis and to calculate the relative associated decrease in blood flow in the third and fourth parts of the vertebral artery, in a sample of the adult population. Method A laboratory-based experimental investigation was used to study 362 vertebral arteries from embalmed adult cadavers that were routinely processed for light microscopic study. The incidence of each grade of atherosclerosis in the vessels was recorded. Atherosclerosis was classified as grades 0,5, where Grade 0 represented no atherosclerosis and Grade 5 a fully developed plaque occluding more than 75% of the vessel lumen. From mean measurements of 188 of these arteries, the estimated decrease in luminal cross-sectional area and the relative decrease in blood flow in the atherosclerotic vessels were calculated. Results The highest incidence of atherosclerosis found was Grade 3 (third part of the vertebral artery (VA3): 42.0%; fourth part of the vertebral artery (VA4): 35.2%). An estimated decrease in artery luminal cross-sectional area to 6.2% of normal in Grade 5 atherosclerosis was found. Because blood flow is proportional to the fourth power of the vessel radius, relative decreases in blood flow in grades 1,5 atherosclerosis from 100% to 0% (with critical closing pressure in vessels), respectively, are likely to occur. Conclusions These data suggest that, as significant numbers of the sample showed marked (Grade 3+) atherosclerosis, concomitant with decreased blood flow in the vertebral arteries, this population is at risk for developing vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Because other Western populations may be similarly at risk, particular care should be taken when considering the use of rotational manipulative therapy techniques in treatments of the cervical spine. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] The consanguinity effect on QF-PCR diagnosis of autosomal anomaliesPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 5 2006Michel B. Choueiri Abstract Objectives Quantitative Fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR) is a simpler and faster method of detecting common chromosomal abnormalities when compared to cytogenetic analysis. The aim of our study is to investigate the applicability of this methodology in a population where consanguineous marriages are common and to estimate the heterozygous frequency of the PCR markers used. Methods Four hundred and twenty-three DNA samples were extracted from uncultured amniocytes and amplified with 18 short tandem repeats (STR) markers specific to chromosomes 13, 18 and 21. Amplification products were analyzed using the GeneScan software. Results QF-PCR correctly identified all the numerical abnormalities related to chromosomes 13, 18 and 21. A total of 24 autosomal trisomies (5.7%) were detected. The markers D21S1432 and D21S11 were the most consistent in providing unequivocal positive results for chromosome 21 and the heterozygosity percentages of the markers used were lower than the values reported in Western populations. Conclusion QF-PCR is reliable for the prenatal diagnosis of numerical anomalies of the chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 in our study population. The absence of STR heterozygosity data from Lebanon and surrounding countries makes our study very useful for the development of a reliable QF-PCR trisomy detection test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Structures of alternatively spliced isoforms of human ketohexokinaseACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 3 2009Chi H. Trinh A molecular understanding of the unique aspects of dietary fructose metabolism may be the key to understanding and controlling the current epidemic of fructose-related obesity, diabetes and related adverse metabolic states in Western populations. Fructose catabolism is initiated by its phosphorylation to fructose 1-phosphate, which is performed by ketohexokinase (KHK). Here, the crystal structures of the two alternatively spliced isoforms of human ketohexokinase, hepatic KHK-C and the peripheral isoform KHK-A, and of the ternary complex of KHK-A with the substrate fructose and AMP-PNP are reported. The structure of the KHK-A ternary complex revealed an active site with both the substrate fructose and the ATP analogue in positions ready for phosphorylation following a reaction mechanism similar to that of the pfkB family of carbohydrate kinases. Hepatic KHK deficiency causes the benign disorder essential fructosuria. The effects of the disease-causing mutations (Gly40Arg and Ala43Thr) have been modelled in the context of the KHK structure. [source] IMPACT OF OBESITY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE ON VASOMOTOR TONE: NITRIC OXIDE AND BEYONDCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2006David W Stepp SUMMARY 1Obesity is rapidly increasing in Western populations, driving a parallel increase in hypertension, diabetes and vascular disease. Prior to the development of overt diabetes or hypertension, obese patients spend years in a state of progressive insulin resistance and metabolic disease. Mounting evidence suggests that this insulin-resistant state has deleterious effects on the control of blood flow, thus placing organ systems at a higher risk for end-organ damage and increasing cardiovascular mortality. 2The purpose of the present review is to examine the current literature on the effects of obesity and insulin resistance on the acute control of vascular tone. Effects on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated control of vascular tone are particularly examined with regard to proximal causes and distal mechanisms of the impaired NO-mediation of vasodilation. 3Finally, novel pathways of impaired control of perfusion are summarized from the recent literature to identify new avenues of exploring impaired vascular function in patients with metabolic disease. [source] Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: epidemiological and molecular study in a north-east Italian population sampleCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 6 2009ML Mostacciuolo Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disease associated with a partial deletion on chromosome 4q35. Few relevant investigations have been reported on its epidemiology and were essentially based on clinical diagnosis, having been performed before recognition of the molecular mutation. We report an epidemiological survey on FSHD patients, in which the diagnosis was obtained by combined clinical and molecular evaluation. The survey concerned the north-east Italian province of Padova, an area of 871,190 inhabitants (1 January 2004). We identified 40 patients affected by FSHD based on clinical diagnosis. In 33 of them, the EcoRI fragment size in the 4q35 region ranged from 14 to 35 kb. Four other patients belonging to the same family harbored a 38-kb fragment. In these four cases, the relationship between the borderline deletion with the mild FSHD phenotype was corroborated by additional haplotype reconstruction and segregation analysis. Interestingly, the same mild facial-sparing clinical pattern was apparent only in one other patient with an EcoRI fragment of 32 kb, suggesting that this unusual FSHD phenotype may be due to very small 4q35 deletions. On the whole, estimating a prevalence rate of 44 × 10,6, our survey confirmed FSHD as one of the most frequent neuromuscular disorders in Western populations. [source] Comparison of the performance of serological kits for Helicobacter pylori infection with European and Asian study populationsCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 11 2006T. T. H. Hoang Abstract Most commercial kits for the detection of Helicobacter pylori were developed and validated with Western populations, and some have been found to perform less well with Asian populations. This study compared the performances of three serological kits with Swedish and Vietnamese peptic ulcer patients and asymptomatic individuals. The Pyloriset EIA-GIII and HM-CAP ELISA kits indicated that Asian populations had lower antibody titres to H. pylori than European populations. Despite the difference, the Pyloriset EIA-GIII kit performed well with Vietnamese peptic ulcer patients and population controls. The HM-CAP ELISA kit had a significantly lower performance with Asian populations that could not be improved by adjustments to the cut-off level. The Helicoblot 2.1 immunoblot kit performed equally well with Vietnamese and Swedish populations, although the response rate to the 35-kDa band was significantly lower with Vietnamese individuals. [source] Rectal cancer in young adults: a series of 102 patients at a tertiary care centre in IndiaCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 5 2009J. Nath Abstract Objective, Rectal cancer in young patients is uncommon. There is little information on rectal cancer in young adults in India. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence of rectal cancer in young patients in India and identify any differences in histological grade and pathological stage between younger and older cohorts. Method, All adult patients presenting at a tertiary colorectal unit with primary rectal adenocarcinoma between September 2003 and August 2007 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: 40 years and younger, and older than 40 years. Details regarding patient demographics, preoperative assessment, management and tumour grade and stage were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Results, One hundred and two of 287 patients (35.5%) were 40 or younger at presentation. Younger patients were more likely to present with less favourable histological features (52.0%vs 20.5% (P < 0.001)) and low rectal tumours (63.0%vs 50.0%) (P = 0.043), but were equally likely to undergo curative surgery compared to the older group (P = 0.629). Younger patients undergoing surgery had a higher pathological T stage (T0,2 18.9%, T3 62.3%, T4 19.7%vs 34.5%, 56.0%, 9.5%) (P = 0.027) and more advanced pathological N stage (N0 31.1%, N1 41.0%, N2 27.9%vs 53.4%, 26.7%, 17.2%) (P = 0.014). Conclusion, The relative number of young patients with rectal cancer in this Indian series is higher than figures reported in western populations. The reasons for this are not clear. The histopathological features of rectal tumours in young patients in this study are consistent with similar studies in Western populations. [source] Geographic variation in jungle cat (Felis chaus Schreber, 1777) (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) body size: is competition responsible?BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2007SHOMITA MUKHERJEE There is a striking difference in body size of jungle cats (Felis chaus) in the west and the east of their distribution, with Israeli cats being 43% heavier than Indian cats. We tested the hypothesis that increasing competition from other small felids towards the east is responsible for the difference in body size. We measured jungle cat skulls for eight cranial and dental variables and related these to independent variables such as species richness (local and regional), latitude, longitude, temperature, and precipitation. Data from a narrow band between latitudes 24.0°N and 33.9°N, where Bergmann's rule was largely not observed, showed that the western population (, 50.0°E longitude) of jungle cats is larger than the eastern (> 60.0°E longitude) population with the size difference being most evident in the upper carnassials (P4L). Species richness at the regional level showed a significant negative relation to P4L. An even spacing in condylobasal length for a small-cat guild from India through null model analysis indicated the occurrence of character displacement. The results support the hypothesis that competition is responsible for geographical variation in jungle cat body size in the region where Bergmann's rule does not apply. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 92, 163,172. [source] Density-dependent polyphenism and geographic variation in size among two populations of lubber grasshoppers (Romalea microptera)ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2009JASON E. JANNOT Abstract. 1. Density-dependent phase polyphenism occurs when changes in density during the juvenile stages result in a developmental shift from one phenotype to another. Density-dependent phase polyphenism is common among locusts (Orthoptera: Acrididae). 2. Previously, we demonstrated a longitudinal geographic cline in adult body size (western populations = small adults; eastern populations = large adults) in the eastern lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) in south Florida. As lubbers are confamilial with locusts, we hypothesised that the longitudinal size cline was partly due to density-dependent phase polyphenism. 3. We tested the effect of density, population, and density×population interaction on life-history traits (pronotum length, mass, cumulative development time, growth rate) of, and proportion surviving to, each of the five instars and the adult stage in a 2 × 3 factorial laboratory experiment with two lubber populations, each reared from hatchling to adult at three different densities. 4. The effect of density on life history and survival was independent of the effects of population on life history and survival. Higher densities led to larger adult sizes (pronotum, mass) and lower survivorship. The western population had smaller adult masses, fewer cumulative days to the adult stage, and higher survivorship than the eastern population. 5. Our data suggest that lubber grasshoppers exhibit density-dependent phase polyphenism initiated by the physical presence of conspecifics. However, the plastic response of adult size to density observed in the laboratory is not consistent with the relationship between phenotypes and adult density in the field. Genetic differences between populations observed in the laboratory could contribute to size and life-history differences among lubber populations in the field. [source] Influence of contamination by organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls on the breeding of the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008Mauro Hernández Abstract We evaluated temporal and regional trends of organochlorine (OC) pesticide (including polychlorinated biphenyl [PCB]) levels in eggs of the Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti) collected in Spain between 1972 and 2003. Levels of p,p,-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and PCBs varied significantly (p = 0.022) among regions (central, western, and Doñana), being higher in Doñana than in the central and western populations (DDE: 1.64 ± 5.56, 0.816 ± 1.70, and 1.1 ± 2.66 ,g/g, respectively; PCBs: 1.189 ± 5.0, 0.517 ± 1.55, and 0.578 ± 1.75 ,g/g, respectively). Levels of DDE decreased with time, but a significant interaction was observed between region and time. In Doñana, egg volume and breadth as well as Ratcliffe Index were significantly lower after DDT use (p = 0.0018) than during the pre-DDT period (p = 0.0018); eggs were significantly smaller overall than in the other two regions (p = 0.04) and were smaller when DDE levels increased, even when controlling for regional differences (p = 0.04). Productivity in Doñana was significantly lower than in the other regions (p < 0.001). Clutch size in Doñana varied according to DDE concentrations (p = 0.01), with the highest DDE concentrations found in clutches consisting of one egg. When considering eggs with DDE levels greater than 3.5 ,g/g, a significant effect of DDE on fertility was found (p = 0.03). Clutches with DDE levels greater than 4.0 ,g/g had a higher probability of hatching failure (p = 0.07) and produced fewer fledglings (p = 0.03). If we consider 3.5 ,g/g as the lowest-observable-adverse-effect level, the proportion of sampled clutches that exceeded that level in Doñana (29%) was significantly higher than in other regions (p < 0.001). These eggs showed a mean percentage of thinning of 16.72%. Contamination by OCs, mainly DDE, could explain, at least in part, the low productivity of the Spanish Imperial Eagles in Doñana. [source] Blister rust and western forest biodiversity: ecology, values and outlook for white pinesFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 3-4 2010D. F. Tomback Summary Eight white pine species are widely distributed among the forests of western Canada and the United States. The different forest communities with these species contribute biodiversity to the western landscape. The trees themselves provide various ecosystem services, including wildlife habitat and watershed protection. White pine communities range in elevation from lower to upper treeline, in successional stage from seral to climax, and in stand type from krummholz to closed-canopy forest. Many white pine species are moderately to strongly fire-dependent for regeneration; several species are extreme stress tolerators and persistent on harsh sites. Among the white pines are the oldest-living trees, the world's largest pines, species dependent on birds for seed dispersal, species important for grizzly bear habitat and species of high commercial timber value. The principal threats to white pine populations are blister rust (Cronartium ribicola, pathogen), fire suppression, succession, mountain pine beetle and climate change. Severe population declines in several white pine species are attributed to losses caused by these factors acting either alone or together, and sometimes in concert with logging and other land-use changes. The importance and particular interactions of these threats vary by region and species. For example, many northern and western populations of whitebark pine are seriously declining from a combination of mountain pine beetle outbreaks and severe blister rust infestations. As whitebark pines provide many keystone services on high-elevation sites, their loss would impact forest composition and structure, succession, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Although there are serious challenges to science-based management and conservation (especially in remote American wilderness areas), prompt and effective intervention promoting regeneration of blister rust-resistant white pines could mitigate these severe impacts. [source] Analysis of circadian variation of acute myocardial infarction: afternoon predominance in Turkish populationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2009I. Sari Summary Background:, Although data about circadian variation of myocardial infarction (MI) in western populations reveal morning peak between 06:00 and 12:00 hours, differences have been reported in different regions of the world and ethnic groups. We aimed to evaluate circadian variation of MI in a Turkish cohort. Methods:, A total of 476 patients (mean age 56.7 ± 11.7; 80% men) with acute st elevation MI were included into the study. Patients were categorised into four 6-h increments (00:01,06:00; 06:01,12:00; 12:01,18:00 and 18:01,24:00 hours). Results:, Onset of MI exhibited significant circadian variation among four time periods (p < 0.001), demonstrating afternoon peak (between 12:01 and 18:00 hours) and trough between 00:01 and 06:00 hours. Incidence of MI between 12:01 and 18:00 hours was significantly higher when compared with other three 6-h periods (p = 0.001). Incidence of MI between 00:01 and 06:00 hours was significantly lower when compared with other three 6-h periods (p = 0.001). Incidence of MI between 12:01 and 18:00 hours was 1.64 times that of average frequency of the remaining 18:00 hours of the day and 2.3 times that of frequency between 00:01 and 06:00 hours. When analysed for the subgroups of the study sample, only smoking blunted the afternoon peak. Conclusions:, Instead of early morning peak in western countries, there is afternoon predominance in circadian variation of MI in a Turkish cohort. It may be related with genetic and/or demographic characteristics of Turkish population. Further studies are required to determine underlying pathophysiological mechanisms causing these differences in chronobiology of MI among populations. [source] Isozyme variation and recent biogeographical history of the long-lived conifer Fitzroya cupressoidesJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2000A. C. Premoli Abstract Aim Palaeoenvironmental records of Pleistocene glaciation and associated vegetation changes in Patagonia have led to the hypothesis that during the last glacial maximum (LGM) tree species survived locally in favourable habitats. If present populations originated from spread from only one refugium, such as an ice-free area of coastal Chile (Single Refugium hypothesis), we would expect that eastern populations would be genetically depauperate and highly similar to western populations. In contrast, if the ice cap was not complete and tree species persisted in forest patches on both slopes of the Andes (Multiple Refugia hypothesis), we would expect a greater degree of genetic divergence between populations either on opposite sides of the Cordillera (Cordillera Effect scenario) or towards its present-day southern distributional limit where the ice sheet reached its maximum coverage (Extent-of-the-Ice scenario). Location We tested this refugia hypothesis using patterns of isozyme variation in populations sampled over the entire modern range of the endemic conifer Fitzroya cupressoides (Mol.) Johnst. (Cupressaceae) in temperate South America. Methods Fresh foliage was collected from twenty-four populations and analysed by horizontal electrophoresis on starch gels. Results Twenty-one putative loci were reliably scored and 52% were polymorphic in at least one population. Populations from the eastern slope of the Andes were genetically more variable than those from the western slope; the former had a greater mean number of alleles per locus, a larger total number of alleles and rare alleles, and higher polymorphism. Genetic identities within western populations were greater than within eastern populations. Discriminant analyses using allelic frequencies of different grouping schedules of populations were non significant when testing for the Single Refugium hypothesis whereas significant results were obtained for the Multiple Refugia hypothesis. Main conclusions Our results indicate that present Fitzroya populations are the result of spreading from at least two, but possibly more, glacial refugia located in Coastal Chile and on the southern flanks of the Andes in Argentina. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||