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White Population (white + population)
Selected AbstractsInvestigation of Adducin 2 (beta) DNA polymorphisms in genetic predisposition to diabetic nephropathy in Type 1 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008D. Currie Abstract Aims Adducin 2 (beta) (ADD2) is a biological and positional candidate gene proposed to confer genetic risk for diabetic nephropathy. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate all common and putatively functional polymorphisms in the genomic region encompassing this gene. Methods Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (n = 23) derived from phase II of the International HapMap Project and in silico functional variants (n = 2) were genotyped in 1467 White individuals from the British Isles (cases, n = 718; control subjects, n = 749) by a combination of Sequenom iPLEX and TaqMan technologies. Results ,2 analysis of genotype and allele frequencies in cases vs. control subjects revealed weak evidence for association of one variant at the 5% level of significance (rs10164951, P = 0.02). Adjusting for multiple testing in the present case,control collection negated this association. Conclusions We selected an appropriate subset of variants suitable for genetic investigations of the ADD2 gene and report the first investigation of polymorphisms in ADD2 with diabetic nephropathy. Our results suggest that common polymorphisms and putatively functional variants in the ADD2 gene do not strongly influence genetic susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in this White population with Type 1 diabetes. [source] Factors Related to Helicobacter pylori Prevalence in an Adult Population in BrazilHELICOBACTER, Issue 1 2007Schlioma Zaterka Abstract Background:, The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is higher in developing countries. Sanitary facilities, crowding and ethnic group are some of the factors related to H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to investigate in blood donors, free of dyspeptic symptoms, the prevalence and factors influencing H. pylori infection. Materials and Methods:, This study was conducted in São Paulo, a city known to have a mixed population coming from all over the country. A total of 1008 blood donors were initially included in the study. After a final revision of all the questionnaires, 993 were included in the final analysis (746 males). H. pylori status was checked by an ELISA test. The following associations to infection were analyzed: sex, age, ethnic group, previous upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, type of drinking water, crowding, sanitary facilities, and family income. Results:, Infection was observed in 496 of 746 male (66.5%) and in 156 of 247 female (63.2%) blood donors. Infection prevalence increased according to age group, regardless of sex. Prevalence was lower in White population than in non-White. No relationship was observed between infection and smoking, drug addiction, and alcohol. A positive relation was observed between infection and previous upper GI endoscopy, and type of drinking water, regardless if currently or during childhood. Crowding and lack of toilet in the house during childhood resulted in a higher infection rate. Lower familial income and educational level showed a positive association to infection. Conclusions:, Prevalence of H. pylori is higher in non-White population, independent of gender. A positive association was observed in aging, previous upper GI endoscopy, crowding, type of drinking water, lack of toilet during childhood, lower family income, and lower educational level. [source] Ethnic migration between area groups in England and WalesAREA, Issue 4 2009James Raymer Minority ethnic populations in England and Wales have been increasing steadily as a share of the total population since the 1991 Census. In this paper, we are interested in how internal migration has changed as a possible consequence. Our analysis focuses on the movements between 12 area groups, as defined by the Office for National Statistics, and addresses the following three research questions: (1) how has internal migration in England and Wales evolved from 1991 to 2004; (2) what are the main differences in the movements between the White (majority) population and the ethnic minority population; and (3) how do migration patterns differ when ethnicity, education and employment statuses are considered together? The data come from the 1991 to 2004 National Health Service Central Registers, the 1999,2004 patient registers and the 2001 Census. We find strong stability in the migration patterns of the total population over time. However, large differences appear when the flows are disaggregated by ethnicity and further by education and employment. Education level is an important factor influencing the migration patterns for the White population, whereas employment status is a much more important factor for the ethnic minority population. [source] Association of a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) polymorphism with performance traits in Lithuanian White pigsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 1 2006R. Jokubka Summary The melanocortin 4 receptor is expressed in virtually all brain regions of mammals and plays an important role in energy homeostasis. Polymorphisms in this gene may thus be related to growth and obesity. In pigs, a non-synonymous polymorphic site was described (Asp298Asn) and demonstrated to affect cAMP production and to alter adenylyl cyclase signalling. Association studies revealed significant linkage of this mutation with production trait in pigs. In this study, 207 Lithuanian White pigs were genotyped at the MC4R locus and analysed on relationships between genotype and breeding values for several performance traits. The observed allele and genotype frequencies did not deviate significantly from Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium (wildtype allele 0.59; mutant allele 0.41) and are comparable with those described in other Large White populations. The mutant Asn298 allele of the MC4R gene was significantly associated with increased test daily gain, higher lean meat percentage and lower backfat thickness. There was a trend towards an improved feed conversion ratio (p = 0.065) in animals with the mutant allele whereas no significant effect was found on lifetime daily gain. These results indicate that the MC4R polymorphism should be integrated in selection programmes in the Lithuanian White to improve carcass composition. [source] A new HpaII PCR-RFLP within the porcine prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene and study of its effect on litter size and number of teatsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 1 2002L. PUTNOVÁ DNA polymorphism of the porcine prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) was investigated and used to study its effect on litter size and number of teats in pigs. By means of PRLR gene sequence homology in pig, human and other species, primers were designed for PCR amplification within 5, unknown (to date) part of the prolactin receptor gene in pigs. In this part of the gene, a new polymorphism with HpaII restriction endonuclease was detected. AluI polymorphism described before and our new HpaII polymorphism were used to study the associations with reproduction traits. The PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to genotype AluI and HpaII loci of the PRLR gene in line A with 83 sows of Landrace breed and in two lines (B and C) with 75 and 86 Large White sows, respectively. Statistical analysis of 1020 litters showed that AluI locus was associated with litter size mainly in Landrace and affected the first parities, while HpaII locus of the gene was associated with the same traits in Landrace and Large White pigs and mainly affected numbers of weaned of pigs. The magnitude of the effect varied by population with the effects exceeding two pigs per litter in Landrace line and 1 pig per litter in Large White populations. Ein neuer HpaII PCR-RFLP innerhalb des porcinen Prolaktionrezeptorgens (PRLR), und Zusammenhänge zur Wurfgröße und Zitzenzahl DNA-Polymorphismen im porcinen Prolaktionrezeptorgen (PRLR) wurden untersucht und für die Analyse von Einflüssen auf Wurfgröße und Zitzenzahl bei Schweinen verwendet. Auf der Basis der PRLR -Gensequenzhomologie zwischen Schwein, Mensch und anderen Spezies wurden Primer für die PCR-Amplifikation aus dem 5, Bereich des Prolaktionrezeptorgens abgeleitet, der bisher beim Schwein noch unbekannt ist. In diesem Teil des Gens wurde mittels HpaII-Restriktionsendonuklease ein neuer Polymorphismus dargestellt. AluI Polymorphismus und der neue HpaII Polymorphismus wurden für Assoziationsstudien in Bezug auf Reproduktionsmerkmale verwendet. Mittels PCR-RFLP wurden in Linie A 83 Sauen der Landrasse und die Linien B und C mit 75 bzw. 86 Large White Sauen unter Verwendung von AluI und HpaII am PRLR -Gen genotypisiert. Die statistische Analyse von 1.020 Würfen zeigte, dass der AluI-Polymorphismus insbesondere in der Landrasse mit der Wurfgröße assoziiert ist, sowie die ersten Trächtigkeiten beeinflusst, während der HpaII Polymorphismus die gleichen Merkmale in der Landrasse und Large White Schweinen und insbesondere die Zahl an abgesetzten Ferkeln beeinflusste. Die Auswirkungen des Effekts variierten innerhalb Population, wobei der Effekt 2 Ferkel je Wurf in der Landrasse-Linie und 1 Ferkel je Wurf in der Large White Populationen überstieg. [source] Incidence of open-angle glaucoma in central SwedenACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 7 2008Curt Ekström Abstract. Purpose:, To estimate the incidence rate of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population in which pseudoexfoliation is a common finding. Methods:, A population-based survey of 760 people aged 65,74 years was conducted in the municipality of Tierp, in central Sweden, during 1984,86. Visual fields (VFs) were tested with the Competer 350 automated perimeter. The present report concerns 711 people, all of whom participated in the survey and were not diagnosed with glaucoma. Since 1988, a follow-up study of the 530 individuals in this cohort with normal and reliable VFs has been in progress. Incident cases of OAG were identified among study participants and patients seeking medical attention at the Eye Department in Tierp. Records of prescriptions for anti-glaucoma drugs were used to search for unidentified patients. A time-weighted mean intraocular pressure (IOP) for all visits was calculated. Results:, By the end of the study in May 2006, 51 new cases of definite OAG had been identified, 31 with capsular and 20 with chronic simple glaucoma. Of these, 46 cases were detected in the follow-up study, corresponding to an incidence of 7.11 (95% confidence interval 5.06,9.17) per 1000 person-years. Twelve of the 51 cases were classified as normal-tension glaucoma, all of which were found in the follow-up study. Open-angle glaucoma with a mean IOP , 23 mmHg tended to emerge closer to the baseline examination than OAG with a mean IOP < 23 mmHg. Conclusions:, The incidence of OAG was high compared with that reported for other studies conducted in White populations. [source] Incidence of Hip and Other Osteoporotic Fractures in Elderly Men and Women: Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004Kevin P Chang Abstract In this prospective 12-year study in men and women 60 years of age and older, there was a 4,6% per year reduction in the incidence rate of overall osteoporotic fractures, but the study was unable to exclude any change in the hip fracture incidence rate. Approximately one-half of hip fractures occurred before 80 years in men and two-thirds before 85 years in women. The age distribution of hip fractures underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis. Introduction: Although hip fracture is the major osteoporotic fracture in terms of health outcomes, quality of life, and costs, there is a paucity of long-term data on secular changes in men and women within a defined community. This long-term prospective population-based study over 12 years from 1989 to 2000 specifically examined the age distribution and secular changes in the incidence rates of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in men and women 60 years of age and older in a predominantly white population in Dubbo, Australia. Materials and Methods: Hip and all other clinical fractures were ascertained by reviewing all radiography reports from the two area radiology services, ensuring complete ascertainment of all clinical osteoporotic fractures. Results and Conclusion: Among the 1055 symptomatic atraumatic fractures (after excluding pathological fractures), there was a significant reduction in the overall fracture incidence rate in women (4% per year; p = 0.0003) and men (6% per year; p = 0.0004) over the 12 years. There were 229 hip fractures (175 in women and 54 in men) within 39,357 person-years of observation. The overall rate ± SE of hip fracture was 759 ± 57 per 100,000 person-years in women and 329 ± 45 per 100,000 person-years in men, with an exponential increase with age. With advancing age, the incidence rate of hip fractures in men approached that in women; the female:male ratio fell from 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3,15.7) to 1.5 (0.9,2.5) and 1.9 (1.2,2.8) in the 60,69, 70,79, and 80+ year age groups, respectively. In women, the absolute number of fractures and incidence rate continuously increased with age; however, in men, the absolute number of hip fractures peaked at 80,84 years of age and then decreased. Most importantly, despite the continuing increase with age, almost one-half (48%) of the hip fractures occurred before the age of 80 years in men, and 66% of hip fractures occurred before the age of 85 years in women. The overall hip fracture incidence is comparable with other white (except Sweden) and Asian groups as well as two other Australian studies. This study could not exclude a change in hip fracture incidence rate, even in those 80 years of age and over among whom the incidence of hip fractures was the highest. The incidence data highlight the fact that a large proportion of hip fractures occurs in those under 80 years of age, particularly in men. This age distribution underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis in women and particularly in men to achieve the most cost-effective outcomes. [source] Mean Corpuscular Volume and ADH1C Genotype in White Patients With Alcohol-Associated DiseasesALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2005Leimin Sun Background: Alcohol abuse is associated with several gastrointestinal diseases, such as esophageal carcinoma, chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been recognized as a biomarker for alcohol abuse and heavy drinkers. Recent studies from Japan revealed that macrocytosis is related to ALDH-2/2 genotype, leading to increased acetaldehyde accumulation. It has also demonstrated that increased MCV values could also be an independent biomarker for esophageal cancer in Asians. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate possible associations of MCV value with polymorphisms of ADH1C in white patients with alcohol-associated esophageal carcinoma, chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis as well as in heavy drinkers without organ damage. Methods: In this study, a total of 510 alcoholic patients were enrolled with esophageal cancer (n= 98), chronic pancreatitis (n= 98), alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n= 151), and alcohol abuse without gastrointestinal disease (n= 163). ADH1C genotyping was performed by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis from whole blood. The relation between MCV and ADH1C gene polymorphisms (ADH1C*1 and 1C*2) controlled for the amount of drinking, smoking, and age were investigated using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: In univariate analysis, higher alcohol consumption was associated with increased MCV. Other variables were not associated with macrocytosis. In multiple linear regression analysis, after adjustment for age and smoking, higher alcohol consumption and female sex were independently associated with higher MCV values. No other variables, including which alcohol-associated disease the patient had, had an independent effect. Adding ADH genotype rendered no independent significant effect on MCV value. Conclusions: In a white population, MCV values were not associated with genotype polymorphisms of ADH1C. In contrast to findings in Asians, macrocytosis does not seem to be an independent biomarker for esophageal cancer. The role of ADH1C polymorphism in increasing MCV and the potential use of MCV as a marker for esophageal carcinoma are still pending. [source] An Overview of the Ultraviolet Index and the Skin Cancer Cases in Brazil,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003M. P. Corrêa ABSTRACT This study relates regional and seasonal UV index (UVI) variations, number of skin cancer cases and population skin-color distribution in Brazil. UVI calculations were performed using the UV Global Atmospheric Model (UVGAME), whose characteristics and validations are provided in this article. Health and racial data sets are based on the health and census data collected by Brazilian governmental agencies in the past. The discussion covers cultural customs and details of health and educational campaigns in Brazil. Despite lower UV levels in the South and Southeast regions, the results show a larger number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases in these regions, where the white population is predominant. In general, in the southern regions about 50 new NMSC cases per 100000 inhabitants have been diagnosed each year. These rates decrease almost 40% in the Central,North regions and more than 80% in Northeast region, where miscegenation is common. In addition, the UVI evaluation is extended to other South American sites with singular characteristics, e.g. populous cities located in high altitudes or those affected by the Antarctic ozone hole in the extreme south of the continent. [source] Is the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis rising?: Results from Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1955,2007ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2010Elena Myasoedova Objective To examine trends in the incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from 1995 to 2007. Methods To augment our preexisting inception cohort of patients with RA (1955,1994), we assembled a population-based incidence cohort of individuals ,18 years of age who first fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for the classification of RA between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2007 and a cohort of patients with prevalent RA on January 1, 2005. Incidence and prevalence rates were estimated and were age-and sex-adjusted to the white population in the US in 2000. Trends in incidence rates were examined using Poisson regression methods. Results The 1995,2007 incidence cohort comprised 466 patients (mean age 55.6 years), 69% of whom were female and 66% of whom were rheumatoid factor positive. The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual RA incidence was 40.9/100,000 population. The age-adjusted incidence in women was 53.1/100,000 population (versus 27.7/100,000 population in men). During the period of time from 1995 to 2007, the incidence of RA increased moderately in women (P = 0.02) but not in men (P = 0.74). The increase was similar among all age groups. The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence on January 1, 2005 was 0.72% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.66, 0.77), which is an increase when compared with a prevalence of 0.62% (95% CI 0.55, 0.69) in 1995 (P < 0.001). Applying the prevalence on January 1, 2005 to the US population in 2005 showed that an estimated 1.5 million US adults were affected by RA. This is an increase from the previously reported 1.3 million adults with RA in the US. Conclusion The incidence of RA in women appears to have increased during the period of time from 1995 to 2007. The reasons for this recent increase are unknown, but environmental factors may play a role. A corresponding increase in the prevalence of RA was also observed. [source] Association of a nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase 9 with giant cell arteritisARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2008A. Rodríguez-Pla Objective Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common type of primary vasculitis. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is present in arterial lesions of GCA and may be involved in its pathogenesis. We investigated whether certain genotypes of 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP-9 are overrepresented in patients with histologically confirmed GCA. Methods Four SNPs of MMP-9, rs3918242 in the promoter region and 3 nonsynonymous coding SNPs (rs3918252, rs17576, and rs2250889) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction,restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 58 white patients for whom there was a clinical suspicion of GCA. Thirty of these patients had histologically confirmed GCA (group 1), and 28 patients had negative results of a temporal artery biopsy for GCA (group 2). Estimates of the genotype distributions of each of these SNPs in a white population were determined using publicly available genotype data for a panel of 23 individuals (group 3). Results Although 1 SNP was monomorphic in all 3 groups, we observed statistically significant differences in the genotype distributions for rs2250889 between group 1 and group 2 (P = 0.005) and between group 1 and group 3 (P = 0.009), but not between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.965). Conclusion These data derived from a sample of patients with GCA suggest that the G allele of MMP-9 polymorphism rs2250889 is overrepresented in patients with histologically confirmed GCA. Clearly, larger sample sizes will be necessary to confirm this suggestive association and better characterize a possible linkage disequilibrium structure among polymorphisms. [source] Trends in incidence and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis in Rochester, Minnesota, over a forty-year periodARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 3 2002Michele F. Doran Objective To determine time trends in the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a population-based cohort. Methods An inception cohort of residents of Rochester, Minnesota ,18 years of age who first fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria between January 1, 1955 and December 31, 1994 (applied retrospectively, as appropriate) was assembled and followed up until January 1, 2000. Incidence rates were estimated and were age- and sex-adjusted to the 1990 white population of the US. A birth cohort analysis was performed, and survival rates over time were examined. Results The incidence cohort comprised 609 patients, 445 (73.1%) of whom were female and 164 (26.9%) were male, with a mean age at incidence of 58.0 years. The overall age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of RA among Rochester, Minnesota, residents ,18 years of age was 44.6/100,000 population (95% confidence interval 41.0,48.2). While the incidence rate fell progressively over the 4 decades of study, from 61.2/100,000 in 1955,1964, to 32.7/100,000 in 1985,1994, there were indications of cyclical trends over time. Birth cohort analysis showed diminishing incidence rates through successive cohorts following a peak in the 1880,1890 cohorts. Incidence rates increased with age until age 85, but peaked earlier in women than in men. The survival rate in RA patients was significantly lower than the expected rate in the general population (P < 0.001), and no improvement was noted over time. Conclusion The secular trends demonstrated in this study population, including the progressive decline in the incidence of RA over the last 40 years, suggest that an environmental factor may play a role in the etiology of RA. [source] Correction of the CF defect by curcumin: hypes and disappointmentsBIOESSAYS, Issue 1 2005Marcus Mall Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most-common lethal hereditary disease in the white population, is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The mutation that is most frequently responsible for the disease, ,F508, causes misfolding and retention of the CFTR protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. This leads to a series of cellular dysfunctions and results in a multi-organ disease. In a recent report, Egan et al.1 demonstrated that curcumin, a non-toxic natural product and major constituent of turmeric spice, corrected the CF defects in ,F508 CF mice. This paper aroused a lot of attention and hopes were raised that curcumin might produce similar effects in human, giving an efficient treatment for most CF patients. However, skepticism is growing since subsequent studies fail to reproduce these initial exciting results. Thus, although herbal medicines and dietary supplements can be desirable alternatives to classical pharmacological compounds, their efficacy needs careful evaluation both in vivo and ex vivo. BioEssays 27:9,13, 2005. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] The Deep South Network for cancer controlCANCER, Issue S8 2006Building a community infrastructure to reduce cancer health disparities Abstract Given the recent advances in cancer treatment, cancer disparity between whites and African-Americans continues as an unacceptable health problem. African-Americans face a considerable disparity with regard to cancer incidence, survival, and mortality when compared with the majority white population. On the basis of prior research findings, the Deep South Network (DSN) chose to address cancer disparities by using the Community Health Advisor (CHA) model, the Empowerment Theory developed by Paulo Freire, and the Community Development Theory to build a community and coalition infrastructure. The CHA model and empowerment theory were used to develop a motivated volunteer, grassroots community infrastructure of Community Health Advisors as Research Partners (CHARPs), while the coalition-building model was used to build partnerships within communities and at a statewide level. With 883 volunteers trained as CHARPs spreading cancer awareness messages, both African-Americans and whites showed an increase in breast and cervical cancer screening utilization in Mississippi and Alabama. In Mississippi, taking into account the increase for the state as a whole, the proportion that might be attributable to the CHARP intervention was 23% of the increase in pap smears and 117% of the increase in mammograms. The DSN has been effective in raising cancer awareness, improving both education and outreach to its target populations, and increasing the use of cancer screening services. The National Cancer Institute has funded the Network for an additional 5 years. The goal of eliminating cancer health disparities will be pursued in the targeted rural and urban counties in Mississippi and Alabama using Community-Based Participatory Research. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Developing epidemic of melanoma in the hispanic population of California,,CANCER, Issue 5 2006Myles G. Cockburn Ph.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Hispanics comprise almost one-third of the population of California, are the most rapidly increasing racial/ethnic group in the state, and represent almost one-third of all Hispanics in the U.S. California has among the highest rates of melanoma in the world, yet little is known about trends in melanoma in its Hispanic population. METHODS Trends in invasive and in situ melanoma incidence data and melanoma mortality data, between 1988 and 2001, from the California Cancer Registry were analyzed. Trends in the Hispanic population were compared with those in the non-Hispanic white population. Time trends in tumors of differing thicknesses and histology were assessed. RESULTS There was a statistically significant 1.8% per year increase in incidence of invasive melanomas among Hispanic males and a similar but nonstatistically significant increase in invasive melanoma among Hispanic females between 1988 and 2001. Among Hispanic males and females tumors thicker than 1.5 mm at presentation increased at 11.6% per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1, 15.2) and 8.9% per year (95% CI, 4.7, 13.3), respectively. CONCLUSION Rates of invasive melanoma have increased markedly among Hispanics in California since 1988. In contrast to trends in the non-Hispanic white population, increases in melanoma in Hispanics have been confined to thicker tumors, whose prognosis is poor. We recommend that efforts be undertaken immediately to target both primary and secondary melanoma prevention messages to Hispanic communities. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] No allelic association between harm avoidance and the debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase geneACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 5 2002Adriaan H Veefkind Background: Several reports suggest that variance in personality traits is inherited, but little is known about the genes responsible. It has been suggested that there is a relationship between personality characteristics and the gene responsible for the activity of the enzyme debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase (CYP2D6). Objective: To examine the proportion of poor metabolizers in a group of personality disordered patients. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 23 patients with a high or very high score on the dimension ,harm avoidance' of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The samples were genotyped for the null alleles CYP2D6*3 and*4 by performing an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results: The frequencies of genotypes in the sample were very similar to the frequencies found in a general white population. Conclusions: The investigation produced no support for the idea that the CYP2D6 gene is related to personality by means of variations in the temperament dimension of harm avoidance. [source] Relationships between ocular dimensions and adult stature among participants in the Reykjavik Eye StudyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2005Thor Eysteinsson Abstract. Purpose:,To examine the relationships between adult stature, age and ocular dimensions in a large homogenous, white population. Methods:,We used the national population census for Reykjavik to select a random sample of adults aged 50 years or older. A total of 846 persons were examined. Scheimpflug images were used to measure anterior chamber depth. Ultrasound was used to measure axial length, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth. An autorefracto-keratometer was used to measure autorefractive and keratometric values, including the radius of the corneal curvature. Stereo fundus photographs were taken of the optic disc and measurements of the disc diameters were made using computer software. Results:,Height correlated positively with axial length in the multivariate model (B = 0.020, 95% CI 0.006,0.034, p < 0.01). Both age and height showed significant correlations with vitreous chamber depth, where the correlation with age was negative (B = , 0.016, 95% CI , 0.006 to , 0.025, p < 0.005) and the correlation with height was positive (B = 0.019, 95% CI 0.005,0.034, p < 0.01). Height also showed a positive correlation with the radius of the corneal curvature (B = 0.008, 95% CI 0.004,0.011, p < 0.001). Anterior chamber depth had a negative correlation with age (B = , 0.013, 95% CI , 0.010 to , 0.016, p < 0.001), whereas lens thickness had a significant positive correlation with age (B = 0.019, 95% CI 0.016,0.023, p < 0.001). We found a significant negative correlation between axial length and refraction/spherical equivalent (r = , 0.595, p < 0.0001). Discussion:,Our results indicate that there is a significant relationship between height and several ocular dimensions in this adult population and confirms a negative correlation between axial length and refraction. [source] Prevalence, morbidity and service need among South Asian and white adults with intellectual disability in Leicestershire, UKJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002C. W. McGrother Abstract Background Previous reports have suggested that South Asian and white UK populations have different prevalences of intellectual disability (ID), related psychological morbidity and service use. The aim of the present study was to compare these rates among South Asian and white adults in Leicestershire, UK. Method This cross-sectional study is comprised of two parts. The analysis of prevalence is based on data from all South Asian and white adults known to the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register in 1991, with population denominators being drawn from the 1991 census. The other analyses use data collected from the most recent semi-structured home interviews, carried out between 1987 and 1998, with 206 South Asian and 2334 white adults. Results The prevalence of ID in adults in Leicestershire is 3.20 per 1000 in South Asians and 3.62 per 1000 in whites. Among adults with ID, South Asians have similar prevalences of disabilities to whites and significantly lower skill levels. South Asians show similar levels of psychological morbidity, but make significantly lower use than whites of psychiatric services, residential care and respite care. South Asians use community services as extensively as whites, but feel that they have a substantially greater unmet need, especially with regard to social services. Conclusion South Asian and white populations have similar prevalences of ID and related psychological morbidity. Culturally appropriate services for South Asian adults may need to focus on skill development and community care. [source] Basal Cell Carcinoma: What's New Under the SunPHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Clio Dessinioti Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in white populations with an increasing incidence worldwide, thereby imposing an important public health problem. Its etiology is still unclear, but existing data indicate that the risk for BCC development is of multifactorial origin and results from the interplay of both constitutional and environmental factors. Yet, UV radiation (UVR) is believed to be the predominant causative risk factor in the pathogenesis of BCC. For years, BCC and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been grouped together as "nonmelanoma skin cancer." However, it seems that there are considerable biologic differences between BCC and SCC, and thus each type of epithelial cancer should be addressed separately. The present review provides an overview of the intriguing etiologic link of BCC with UVR and attempts a comprehensive review of recent epidemiologic and molecular evidence that supports this association. [source] Prevalence of and risk factors for prostatitis in African American men: The Flint Men's Health StudyTHE PROSTATE, Issue 1 2009Lauren P. Wallner Abstract INTRODUCTION Prostatitis is a common, yet ill-defined condition without clear diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies. Previous studies examining the prevalence and correlates of prostatitis are limited in their inclusion of primarily white populations. The objective of the current study was to identify prevalence of and risk factors for prostatitis in a population-based sample of African-American men. METHODS In 1996, a probability sample of 703 African-American men, aged 40,79, residing in Genesee County, Michigan without a prior history of prostate cancer/surgery provided responses to a structured interview-administered questionnaire which elicited information regarding sociodemographics, current stress and health ratings, and past medical history, including history of physician diagnosed prostatitis, BPH and sexually transmitted diseases. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of prostatitis after adjustment for age. RESULTS Forty-seven (6.7%) of the 703 men reported a history of prostatitis. Increased frequency of sexual activity and physical activity were significantly associated with decreased odds of disease. Moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and a history of BPH were significantly associated with prostatitis after adjustment for age. CONCLUSION After adjustment for age, LUTS severity and history of BPH were associated with increased odds of prostatitis. BMI, physical activity and sexual frequency were associated with decreased odds of prostatitis. Finally, poor emotional and physical health, high perceived stress and low social support were associated with an increased risk of prostatitis history. Importantly, these findings suggest that the primary risk factors for this condition are largely modifiable and highlight potential targets for future prevention. Prostate 69: 24,32, 2009. © 2008 Wiley,Liss, Inc. [source] Epidemiology of abdominal aortic aneurysm in an Asian populationANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 6 2003Ming Kon Yii Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are common in the Caucasian population. Apart from reported differences in the occurrence of AAA in the black and white populations, there are few studies on the incidence of AAA in the Asian population. Methods: A prospective database of all patients with AAA seen between 1996 and 1999, in the South-East Asian state of Sarawak in Borneo Island, was analysed. The demographic data included patient's age, sex, ethnic group, date of diagnosis, comorbidities, presentations and treatment outcomes. These were compared with the state population's demographic statistics. Results: Diagnoses of AAA were made in 123 patients during the study period. The male to female ratio was 3.5 : 1. The age range was 39,88 years with a median age of 70 years. Four patients were younger than 55 years. The incidence rate for the at-risk male population older than 50 years was 25.6/100 000. The incidence rate reached 78.3/100 000 for males older than 70 years. The incidence rate for females older than 50 years was 7.6/100 000 and for those older than 70 years it was 18.7/100 000. All races were affected. Smoking, hypertension or respiratory disorders were present in more than 40% of the patients. Half of the patients underwent surgical repair. Conclusion: This study shows that AAA in this Asian population is not uncommon and the incidence is comparable to the Western world. [source] The epidemiology of skin cancerBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2002T.L. Diepgen Summary Melanoma and non-melanoma (basal and squamous cell carcinoma) skin cancer (NMSC) are now the most common types of cancer in the white populations and the incidence of skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions. According to recent population-based studies from Australia the incidence rate is over 2% for basal cell carcinoma in males and 1% for squamous cell carcinoma, and there are over 50 new cases of melanoma per 100 000. [source] Racial disparity in stroke risk factors: the Berlin,Ibadan experience; a retrospective studyACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2009M. O. Owolabi Background,,, Different workers have reported racial disparities in the distribution of risk factors for stroke and stroke subtype (ischemic vs hemorrhagic). No transcultural transnational studies have been conducted to confirm and relate these disparities to one another. Our objective was to identify differences in the distribution of risk factors for stroke and stroke subtypes among urban-dwelling stroke patients in Nigeria, a developing country, and Germany, an industrialized country. Methods,,, Consecutive stroke patients in Ibadan (100) and Berlin (103) were studied. Their hospital records were screened to identify documented vascular risk factors and stroke subtype. Results,,, The stroke patients in Ibadan were younger than those in Berlin (t = 4.940, P = 0.000). Hypertension was significantly more common in Ibadan while cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cardiac factors were significantly more frequent in Berlin. Cerebral infarction was more common in Berlin (80%) than in Ibadan (63%). Conclusion,,, The risk factors associated with cerebral infarction were more frequent in Berlin. We suspect that racial disparity in risk factors for stroke may account for the difference in proportions of stroke subtype in black and white populations. Larger prospective community-based multinational multiracial studies are required to confirm these disparities and identify possible underlying genetic, dietary, and socio-economic factors. [source] A single nucleotide polymorphism in the alcohol dehydrogenase 7 gene (alanine to glycine substitution at amino acid 92) is associated with the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neckCANCER, Issue 12 2010Sheng Wei MD Abstract BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a hospital-based study of 1110 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and a control group of 1129 patients to replicate the associations reported by a recent, large European study between 2 potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes, a substitution in ADH1B at amino acid 48 from arginine to histidine (R48H) (reference SNP number [rs]1229984; guanine to adenine [G,A]) and a substitution in ADH7 at amino acid 92 from alanine to glycine (A92G) (rs1573496; cytosine to guanine [C,G]), and the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). False-positive report probabilities (FPRPs) also were calculated for significant findings. RESULTS: The ADH7 A92G GG and combined CG + GG genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of SCCHN (GG: adjusted OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.82; CG + GG: adjusted OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94; FPRP, .098) compared with the CC genotype. This association was also evident in subgroups of older patients (aged >57 years), men, former smokers, patients with oral cancer, and patients with N) lymph node status (P < .05 for all); however, such associations were not observed for the ADH1B R48H SNP. CONCLUSIONS: The current results support the ADH7 A92G SNP as a marker for the risk of SCCHN in non-Hispanic white populations. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source] Malignant melanoma in Chile: an unusual distribution of primary sites in men from low socioeconomic strataCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006V. Zemelman Summary Background., Mortality from malignant melanoma (MM) has increased in Chile in the past decade. The location of MM lesions on the body has been correlated with prognosis and survival. Aim. To review body site and gender relationships with histopathologically confirmed primary MM in Chile. Methods., Records of 575 cases presenting to 5 state hospitals from 1992 to 2001 were analysed. Results., There were 360 women and 215 men. Women showed a significantly higher number of MM on the legs, cheeks and arms, and in the genital area, whereas men showed a significantly higher number on the ears, backs of the hands, soles and feet. Men had a predilection for MM with a poor prognosis. Conclusion., The different body site distribution of primary MM in men and women may be explained by a different pattern of sun exposure. Ethnic and genetic factors may also be involved. The predominant location of MM in women in Chile is similar to white populations, whereas the location in men is similar to that observed in black and Asian populations. These observations may be relevant to the high mortality of MM in Chilean men. [source] | |||||||||||||