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PubMed1966

Porotic hyperostosis, anemias, malarias, and marshes in the prehistoric Eastern Mediterranean.

Porotic hyperostosis, formerly called osteoporosis symmetrica, is an overgrowth of the spongy marrow space of the skull. In children, other bones may also be affected. The disease is a consequence of one of the thalassemias or sicklemia. These anemias are balanced polymorphisms which are apparently maintained by falciparum malaria. Falciparum malaria spread over the anopheline belts of the Old World in coincidence with porotic hyperostosis, but did not penetrate the New World. Here some other parasitism or deficiency anemia must have been the cause of porotic hyperostosis in ancient times. In Anatolia, Greece, and Cyprus from the seventh to second millennia B.C., porotic hyperostosis occurred frequently in early farmers who lived in marshy areas, but rarely in inhabitants of dry or rocky areas or in latest Paleolithic hunters. As shown by skeletal samples from Greece, the frequency of the disease decreased as farming methods improved. However, from Hellenistic to Romantic times it again increased together with increases in the incidence of malaria and in poorer farming. There are correlations between porotic hyperostosis and adult stature and fertility. The mutations producing falciparum malaria therefore must antedate seventh millenium B.C. and I think may have an Eastern Mediterranean origin.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

An isolate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 originally classified as subtype I represents a complex mosaic comprising three different group M subtypes (A, G, and I).

Full-length reference clones and sequences are currently available for eight human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group M subtypes (A through H), but none have been reported for subtypes I and J, which have only been identified in a few individuals. Phylogenetic information for subtype I, in particular, is limited since only about 400 bp of env gene sequences have been determined for just two epidemiologically linked viruses infecting a couple who were heterosexual intravenous drug users from Cyprus. To characterize subtype I in greater detail, we employed long-range PCR to clone a full-length provirus (94CY032.3) from an isolate obtained from one of the individuals originally reported to be infected with this subtype. Phylogenetic analysis of C2-V3 env gene sequences confirmed that 94CY032.3 was closely related to sequences previously classified as subtype I. However, analysis of the remainder of its genome revealed various regions in which 94CY032.3 was significantly clustered with either subtype A or subtype G. Only sequences located in vpr and nef, as well as the middle portions of pol and env, formed independent lineages roughly equidistant from all other known subtypes. Since these latter regions most likely have a common origin, we classify them all as subtype I. These results thus indicate that the originally reported prototypic subtype I isolate 94CY032 represents a triple recombinant (A/G/I) with at least 11 points of recombination crossover. We also screened HIV-1 recombinants with regions of uncertain subtype assignment for the presence of subtype I sequences. This analysis revealed that two of the earliest mosaics from Africa, Z321B (A/G/?) and MAL (A/D/?), contain short segments of sequence which clustered closely with the subtype I domains of 94CY032.3. Since Z321 was isolated in 1976, subtype I as well as subtypes A and G must have existed in Central Africa prior to that date. The discovery of subtype I in HIV-1 hybrids from widely distant geographic locations also suggests a more widespread distribution of this virus subtype, or at least segments of it, than previously recognized.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1990

The introduction of a practice formulary in a military general practice.

Over a 15 month period, all the scripts written by doctors in the Episkopi Garrison Medical Centre, Cyprus, were analysed. A formulary was produced by using the most popular items in that 15 month period and tested in a one month trial period. The idea was to find a practical and efficient method of producing a 'basic' formulary to which items could be added or removed after discussion with colleagues.

Cyprus↗
PubMed1994

Heat illness in the services.

In spite of considerable progress in prevention, heat illness remains a significant occupational risk in the Services. A retrospective analysis of cases reported through the Defence Analytical Services Agency for the years 1981-91 shows higher numbers in the second part of this period, though this may be due to reporting differences. Overall, there was an average of 135 servicemen and women admitted to hospital each year for heat-related conditions though only 15.5 of them required sick leave for more than a week. Annual incidence was higher in the Army (73 per 100,000) than in the RN (14) and the RAF (5). Tri-service incidence was 42 per 100,000 for males and 11 for females. There were 11 deaths, all in the Army, but only 5 servicemen were discharged because of heat illness. Although the largest number of cases was reported from Great Britain, the incidence of cases in troops in Hong Kong and Cyprus was greater. In all locations, cases occurred in the coldest part of the year, but were commoner in the warmer months. Heat exhaustion (73.6%) seems more frequent than heat stroke (13%), but there are problems with definition and reporting. Current preventive measures are outlined and suggestions are made for more accurate monitoring of heat illness in the future. In the light of recent literature, recommendations are made for the grading and management of servicemen following heat illness.

Cyprus↗
PubMed1997

The heterozygous 20210 G/A prothrombin genotype is associated with early venous thrombosis in inherited thrombophilias and is not increased in frequency in artery disease.

A genetic variation in the 3'-untranslated region of the prothrombin mRNA (20210 G/A) has recently been reported to be associated with elevated plasma prothrombin levels and with an increased incidence of venous thrombosis. We determined the frequency of this mutation, the detection of which was improved by allele-specific amplification of exon 14 and by denaturing gradients (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), in cohorts of patients affected by venous thrombosis (n = 132) or by coronary or cerebrovascular diseases (n = 195) and in normal subjects from various populations. An overlapping frequency of the heterozygous genotype (4%) was found in normal subjects from Italy and Cyprus, and no carrier was detected in 40 subjects of Indian or Somali origin. The 20210 GA heterozygous genotype was not increased in frequency in patients with arterial disease. In contrast, the GA genotype was associated (P = .007) with venous thrombosis both in simple heterozygotes (16%) with a family history of thrombosis as well as in double heterozygotes (14%) for other known thrombophilic defects. A synergic interaction between the prothrombin 20210 GA genotype and the factor V Leiden mutation, both potentially affecting the prothrombinase complex, was suggested by the early onset of thrombosis (median age 22 years) in doubly heterozygous patients. The association of the 20210 A allele with higher prothrombin levels was confirmed in the Italian population. However, the prothrombin assay does not allow an efficient preselection of patients for the DNA analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Mourning and adaptation after a war.

This paper offers a study of the ways in which a war and its consequences affect psychologically those on the victorious side. The subjects of my study are the Turks of Cyprus; I will report on the psychological processes dominant among them--their attempts at mourning to achieve a new adaptation--during the year after the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island in the summer of 1974.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of genetic mutations that predispose to thrombophilia in a Greek Cypriot population.

Several hereditary disorders, particularly those affecting the physiological anticoagulation systems, have been well established as risk factors for venous thromboembolism. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of the following thrombogenic mutations in a Greek-Cypriot population: the G1691 factor V Leiden mutation, the G20210A mutation in the prothrombin gene, and the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). All three variants have been documented to be significant risk factors for various cardiovascular conditions. Ninety unrelated subjects were screened. For the Leiden mutation, 11 subjects (12.2%) were heterozygous and one (1.1%) was homozygous. Seven subjects (7.8%) were heterozygous for the G20210A variant in prothrombin; no homozygotes were identified. The C677T mutation in MTHFR was found in 40 individuals in the heterozygous state (44.4%), and in 16 individuals in the homozygous state (17.8%). These data demonstrate that Greek-Cypriots have an increased frequency of thrombogenic mutations, and suggest that screening for these mutations should be seriously considered, especially when surgery or pregnancy is planned. This is the first study for the frequency of mutations in risk factors that predispose to thrombophilia on the island of Cyprus.

Cyprus↗
PubMed2006

Examining the theory of planned behavior and the construct of self-efficacy to predict mammography intention.

This article examines the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with the addition of the self efficacy construct in the understanding of the motivation to obtain an initial screening mammogram among Cypriot women. The study sample consisted of 293 women aged 40 to 65 years, asymptomatic of breast cancer, and with no previous mammography experience. The study took place at the General Hospital of Nicosia in Cyprus. The results of the study provided support of the TPB with the addition of self-efficacy in an international setting. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intention. Other predictors of intention included educational level, time of last clinical breast examination, and age. The study also provided some empirical support of the distinction between self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control. Researchers may want to include self-efficacy in addition to the TPB and other demographic characteristics in future applications to more fully explain behavioral outcomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

In vitro susceptibilities of Brucella melitensis isolates to eleven antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is an endemic disease present in many countries worldwide, but it is rare in Europe and North America. Nevertheless brucella is included in the bacteria potentially used for bioterrorism. The aim of this study was the investigation of the antibiotic susceptibility profile of brucella isolates from areas of the eastern Mediterranean where it has been endemic. METHODS: The susceptibilities of 74 Brucella melitensis isolates derived from clinical samples (57) and animal products (17) were tested in vitro. The strains originate from Crete (59), Cyprus (10), and Syria (5). MICs of tetracycline, rifampicin, streptomycin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and erythromycin were detected by E-test method. The NCCLS criteria for slow growing bacteria were considered to interpret the results. RESULTS: All the isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and levofloxacin. Two isolates presented reduced susceptibility to rifampicin (MIC value: 1.5 mg/l) and eight to SXT (MIC values: 0.75-1.5 mg/l). Erythromycin had the highest (4 mg/l) MIC90value and both norfloxacin and erythromycin the highest (1.5 mg/l) MIC50 value. CONCLUSION: Brucella isolates remain susceptible in vitro to most antibiotics used for treatment of brucellosis. The establishment of a standardized antibiotic susceptibility method for Brucella spp would be useful for resistance determination in these bacteria and possible evaluation of bioterorism risks.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Accessibility of health and social services to immigrant elders: the Islington Study.

BACKGROUND: Numbers of immigrant elders are increasing and it is unclear whether they can access services. AIMS: To examine service utilisation of older immigrants compared with their UK-born counterparts and relate it to health difficulties. Method Cross-sectional study in inner London measuring service use, mental health and disability. RESULTS: A total of 1085 people aged > or = 65 years were interviewed. Independent predictors of contact with a general practitioner included being born in Cyprus. Cypriots were the only immigrant population to report significantly more somatic symptoms than those born in the UK (P=0.005). Africans and Caribbeans used day care and other social services most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrants could access services. Africans and Caribbeans appear to have poorer physical health and thus have greater contact with services. Cypriots who experience depression may present with prominent somatic symptoms. This is likely to be due to a different idiom of distress.

Africa↗
PubMed2005

Quality of life in thalassemia.

Morbidity and mortality related to thalassemia have been reduced significantly with modern medical treatment, and quality of life (QOL) should now be considered an important index of effective health care. An assessment of QOL differs from other forms of medical assessment in that it focuses on the individuals' own views of their well-being and assesses other aspects of life, giving a more holistic view of well-being. There is very little published work on evaluation of QOL in thalassemia. A suitable tool should be reproducible, sensitive to the major features of the condition that affect patients' lives, and applicable in the range of different cultural, age, and social settings. Such an instrument would be valuable in evaluating new forms of treatment and in comparing health outcomes between different clinics. Two instruments have been assessed, one derived from the WHOQOL-100 questionnaire, and one designed specifically for thalassemia, which assesses psychosocial and clinical burden, as they affect adult patients, parents, and children. Further studies are required to develop and assess such tools for use in thalassemia. Another approach is to seek patients' own views of their routine treatment and the extent to which medical treatment affects QOL. Results from patient questionnaires in the United Kingdom and Cyprus are consistent in finding problems with organization of transfusions, insufficient options with chelation therapy, and poor communication. Practical measures could be taken to address these issues.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Noninvasive prenatal diagnostic assay for the detection of beta-thalassemia.

The development of a noninvasive method for detection of beta-thalassemia in the population of Cyprus is based on the detection of paternally inherited single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) mutations. We selected 11 informative SNPs for the Cypriot population linked to the beta-globin locus. Two different approaches were used: allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) and the arrayed primer extension (APEX) method. The AS-PCR approach is being standardized, and the method was applied in two families. The paternally inherited allele was noninvasively detected with the AS-PCR approach on maternal plasma. Some preliminary tests were performed with the APEX method on genomic DNA of parents carrying the beta-thal mutation.

Alleles↗
PubMed1999

Parental attributions as predictors of involvement and influences on child achievement.

BACKGROUND: This study, which was conducted in Cyprus, combines the theoretical framework of attribution research with that of parent involvement literature. AIM: Its aim was to investigate the role of parental attributions as predictors of parental involvement in their child's educational process and to examine the influence of both of these factors on the child's actual school achievement. SAMPLE: The parents of 473 sixth grade students in 22 public elementary schools participated in the study. Data were also collected from students and their teachers. METHOD: Participating parents completed questionnaires regarding their attributions of their child's achievement and their own degree of involvement in his/her life. RESULTS: It was found that parents who believed that their own role was important for their child's achievement tended to be more controlling and to be keener in developing the child's interests. Also, the parental attribution of the child's achievement to the child's own effort was positively related to the child's actual achievement results. Finally, it was found that the child's actual school achievement was directly related to the parental interest-developing behaviour, but it was not significantly related to the parental controlling behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Through a structural equation model and a path analysis procedure, it was shown that a line of influence exists between parental attribution style, the type and degree of parental involvement and the child's actual academic achievement.

Achievement↗
PubMed2004

Cross-national stability of a leadership model.

This study explored 60 Greek-Cypriot managers' perceptions of different dimensions of leadership. Analyses using structural equation modeling were performed to examine the invariance of the Flamholtz six-factor leadership model. The same leadership styles observed in samples from countries previously studied were present in the sample from Cyprus. In terms of the importance assigned to each style of leadership, Cypriot managers emphasized the more directive styles to a greater extent than other styles.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Transfusion malaria as a consequence of the 1974 war between Turkey and Greece--two cases.

Two cases of transfusion induced Plasmodium malariae malaria that occurred in August and September 1974 in New York City were direct results of the outbreak of war between Turkey and Greece on the island of Cyprus in July 1974. The cases could be traced to two Greek immigrants with latent infection (one being the longest ever recorded) who independently donated blood after solicitation for people in need living in the country of their ancestors. In view of current rules for donor acceptability, attention should be directed domestically towards careful surveillance for an increased occurrence of transfusion malaria.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of asthma symptoms among Turkish Cypriot schoolchildren.

We assessed the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of asthma in Turkish Cypriot schoolchildren and the associated risk factors using a slightly modified version of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questionnaire. The questionnaire and questions regarding risk factors were issued to the parents of 2,822 children aged six to 14 years. The response rate was 89.6 percent. The cumulative and 12-month prevalence of wheezing were 14.7 and 4.8 percent, respectively. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was 11.4 percent. Family history of atopy was the strongest risk factor for "ever wheezing" (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-1.92) and physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 1.71, CI 1.53-1.93). This study demonstrates that symptoms suggestive of asthma are quite common and constitute a major health problem in Northern Cyprus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The "letter... to a cypriot physician" attributed to Johannes Argyropoulos (ca. 1448-1453).

In four Byzantine medical manuscripts, appears a letter entitled Solution of some problems and questions studied by one among the philosophers and physicians of the [school] of Cyprus and attributed to the well known philosopher and teacher Ioannes Argyropoulos (1393/4 [?] or ca. 1415 - 1487). In this paper, we examine this text, its authenticity and its contents, arriving at the conclusion that it is a sort of compendium of a medical teaching held by Argyropoulos during his stay in Constantinople, ca. 1448 - 1453. As such, it documents the medical activity of the last Byzantine period, little known from other sources.

Byzantium↗