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PubMed1999

Effect of vitamin A supplementation on morbidity due to Plasmodium falciparum in young children in Papua New Guinea: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals at risk of malaria also have micronutrient deficiencies that may hamper protective immunity. Vitamin A is central to normal immune function, and supplementation has been shown to lower the morbidity of some infectious diseases. We investigated the effect of vitamin A supplementation on malaria morbidity. METHODS: This randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of vitamin A supplementation took place in a P. falciparum endemic area of Papua New Guinea. Of 520 potentially eligible children aged 6-60 months, 480 were randomly assigned high-dose vitamin A (n=239) or placebo (n=241), every 3 months for 13 months. Malaria morbidity was assessed through weekly community-based case detection and surveillance of patients who self-reported to the health centre. Cross-sectional surveys were also done at the beginning, middle, and end of the study to assess malariometric indicators. Analyses were by intention to treat. FINDINGS: The number of P. falciparum febrile episodes (temperature > or = 37.5 degrees C with a parasite count of at least 8000/microL) was 30% lower in the vitamin A group than in the placebo group (178 vs 249 episodes; relative risk 0.70 [95% CI 0.57-0.87], p=0.0013). At the end of the study P. falciparum geometric mean density was lower in the vitamin A than the placebo group (1300 [907-1863] vs 2039 [1408-2951]) as was the proportion with spleen enlargement (125/196 [64%] vs 148/207 [71%]); neither difference was significant (p=0.093 and p=0.075). Children aged 12-36 months benefited most, having 35% fewer febrile episodes (89 vs 141; relative risk 0.65 [14-50], p=0.0023), 26% fewer enlarged spleens (46/79 [58%] vs 67/90 [74%], p=0.0045), and a 68% lower parasite density (1160 [95% CI 665-2022] vs 3569 [2080-6124], p=0.0054). Vitamin A had no consistent effect on cross-sectional indices of proportion infected or with anaemia. INTERPRETATION: Vitamin A supplementation may be an effective low-cost strategy to lower morbidity due to P. falciparum in young children. The findings suggest that clinical episodes, spleen enlargement, and parasite density are influenced by different immunological mechanisms from infection and anaemia.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2000

[The prevalence of caries and associated factors in children 2-5 years old from the Almanjáyar and Cartuja Health Centers of the capital Granada].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate caries prevalence and associated factors in children 2-5 years old in a deprived community. DESIGN: Transversal, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Paediatric services. Health centres of Almanjáyar and Cartuja in Granada (Spain). PATIENTS: 173 children attending to a pediatric revision. MEASUREMENTS: Children's odontological examination and revision of clinical records followed by structured interview with the mother or tutor. Target variables were caries, sociodemographic factors, nutritional habits, oral hygiene, medical antecedents, familiar experience of caries and use of dentistry services. RESULTS: Total prevalence of caries was 37%, but 29% among the majority population and 58% in the gipsy group. Statistically significant associated factors with caries were: increasing age (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.2), father unemployment (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.3-9.9), high consumption of sweets (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.1-8.5), deficient oral hygiene (OR = 9.3, 95% CI = 3.4-24.7), mother's consultation for toothache or tooth extraction (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.9) and not attendance to dentistry services due to high costs or fear (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.5-12.4). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of caries in the gipsy population is very high, and it is probably associated with factors previously reported but not yet controlled. There is a need to initiate therapeutic and preventive measures in this community, and to detect barriers and facilitate the use of public dentistry services.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Toxicity of methyl-tert-butyl ether to freshwater organisms.

Increased input of the fuel oxygenate methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) into aquatic systems has led to concerns about its effect(s) on aquatic life. As part of a study conducted by University of California scientists for the State of California, the Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, UC Davis, reviewed existing literature on toxicity of MTBE to freshwater organisms, and new information was generated on chronic, developmental toxicity in fish, and potential toxicity of MTBE to California resident species. Depending on time of exposure and endpoint measured, MTBE is toxic to various aquatic organisms at concentrations of 57-> 1000 mg/l (invertebrates), and 388-2600 mg/l (vertebrates). Developmental effects in medaka (Oryzias latipes) were not observed at concentrations up to 480 mg/l, and all fish hatched and performed feeding and swimming in a normal manner. Bacterial assays proved most sensitive with toxicity to Salmonella typhimurium measured at 7.4 mg/l within 48 h. In microalgae, decreased growth was observed at 2400 and 4800 mg/l within 5 days. MTBE does not appear to bioaccumulate in fish and is rapidly excreted or metabolized. Collectively, the available data suggests that at environmental MTBE exposure levels found in surface waters (< 0.1 mg/l) this compound is likely not acutely toxic to aquatic life. However, more information is needed on chronic and sublethal effects before we can eliminate the possibility of risk to aquatic communities at currently detected concentrations.

Amphibians↗
PubMed2000

Accelerator mass spectrometry as a powerful tool for the determination of 129I in rainwater

129I is a very long-lived radionuclide (T(1/2) = 15.7 x 10(6) years) that is present in the environment both because of natural and anthropogenic sources. Its environmental interest, for example, as a tracer of geological processes, makes it the research target of a growing scientific community. However, its detection in environmental samples by radiometric methods is very difficult because of its long half-life. In this work, we present the methodology developed for its detection by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) in rainwater.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Use of fluorochrome-labeled rRNA targeted oligonucleotide probe and tyramide signal amplification to improve sensitivity of fluorescence in situ hybridization.

A tyramide signal amplification (TSA) system was used in combination with a conventional fluorochrome-labeled 16S rRNA oligonucleotide probe to increase the sensitivity of fluorescence in situ hybridization. TSA was performed after hybridization resulted in a low fluorescence signal intensity. In contrast to the horseradish peroxidase-tyramide signal amplification (HRP-TSA) system and biotin-tyramide signal amplification (biotin-TSA) system, no additional expensive probe labeling was required. A whole cell hybridization technique was used to compare the fluorescence signal obtained using a monolabeled probe with that obtained using the TSA system. The fluorescence signal of the probe obtained using the TSA system was much higher than that obtained using the monolabeled probe. The technique was successfully applied to the in situ detection of microbial communities in anaerobic sludge. It was demonstrated that TSA resulted in an increased in sensitivity, as the fluorescence signal intensity was much higher than that obtained using a conventional probe.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Surname analysis of the Corsican population reveals an agreement with geographical and linguistic structure.

The surname is a cultural trait that is extremely useful for historical and linguistic studies and can effectively be used as a genetic marker. In many human populations the surname is inherited in the paternal lineage, and can therefore be considered a marker for the Y chromosome. In this study, surnames were recorded from the white pages of telephone directories in current use in Corsica in 1993. All surnames present in thirteen villages scattered over the whole island and covering the main historical regions were transcribed. Surname variability was found to be higher in coastal villages, and lower in more isolated communities. The isonymy detected among the thirteen villages allowed the calculation of kinship values, visualized in a tree showing two main clusters, one referring to the northern villages and one encompassing the villages of the south. The pattern reflects the administrative division of the island, with the exception of Vico, which belongs to the southern administrative region but is geographically close to the northern villages, and Ghisoni, which belongs to the northern district but is more similar to the village of Bastelica in the southern district. The data presented here show a structure in the surname distribution that is in substantial agreement with the geographical patterns. The kinship values are consistent with a moderated gene flow among villages producing a surname structure according to the geographic features of the territory.

Family↗
PubMed1988

Transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in Sukumaland, Tanzania. 1. Snail infection rates and incidence of infection in school children.

Seasonal density fluctuations of Bulinus nasutus populations with accompanying Schistosoma haematobium infection rates in relation to rainfall and habitat water volumes were studied at Ukiriguru, Mwanza, Tanzania. Alongside the snail investigations, 50 school children initially negative for urinary schistosomiasis were examined regularly to determine seasonal incidence rates for the infection. Of the 17,646 B. nasutus collected in 2 years, 156 (0.88%) were found shedding cercariae. Snail populations fluctuated seasonally as influenced by rainfall through its effects on habitat water volume. Monthly snail infection rates ranged from 0.09% to 3.19% and were highest in February and March, at the time of the short dry period. Monthly incidence of S. haematobium in school children ranged between 2.6% and 12.5%, being highest in April and May. There was a significant linear association between monthly snail infection rates and S. haematobium incidence rates in school children (r2s = 0.65 in 1982/83; r2s = 0.87 in 1983/84) suggesting that the maximum transmission period for urinary schistosomiasis in the area occurs during the short dry period, sometime in February/March so that most of the infections in the community would be detected in April/May.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Glaucoma case finding: a cluster-randomised intervention trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of an intervention comprising training in optic disc assessment, explicit referral criteria and ophthalmologist feedback on referred patients, on the number of optometrist referrals for suspected glaucoma seen at a referral site and the positive predictive value of those referrals. METHODS: Optometric practices routinely referring to the Ealing Hospital Eye Clinic were randomly divided into two groups taking into consideration those practices, which shared an optometrist (a cluster) and the number of optometrist days worked per week. One group of practices acted as controls, while the other practices were invited to receive the intervention. Data on 397 new patients referred and presenting to Ealing Hospital with suspected glaucoma were collected over a 20-month period. The data on patients who had failed to attend their appointment were collected over 7 months of this period. The number of referrals seen, the positive predictive value of those referrals, and the attendance rate were calculated. Optometrist's opinions of the intervention were assessed qualitatively. Data relating to optometrist compliance with the intervention were also collected. RESULTS: The number of glaucoma referrals presenting to Ealing Hospital from the intervention practices was almost double that from the control practices (210 vs 119). When cluster randomisation, the number of optometrist days per cluster and the number of assessed referrals in the preintervention period are taken into consideration, it is estimated that the intervention is associated with a 52% increase in the number of referrals reaching Ealing Hospital. However, the design effect resulting from the cluster randomisation was unexpectedly high (of the order of 13-14)and so the confidence intervals around the estimate of 52% are very wide (95% c.i. 35% decrease to 253% increase, P = 0.34). There was no evidence of an association between optometrist compliance with the intervention and the number of referrals seen at Ealing Hospital. The positive predictive value (PPV)of referrals was similar for the intervention(0.49 (95% c.i. 0.42, 0.55)) and control groups(0.46 (95% c.i. 0.33, 0.60)). Optometrist opinions of the intervention were largely favourable. All expressed a willingness to participate in future programmes. CONCLUSION: A large difference in the number of referrals between the practice groups was observed. Since the PPV of referral was unchanged, the potential impact of the intervention in terms of numbers of new cases of glaucoma detected in the community is substantial. However, because of its large design effect, this trial does not provide conclusive evidence of an impact of the intervention on referral numbers. A considerably larger trial will be required to produce conclusive evidence of an effect.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2006

Factors predicting organochlorine pesticide levels in pregnant Latina women living in a United States agricultural area.

Organochlorine (OC) pesticide use was restricted starting in the 1970s in developed countries and the 1980s and 1990s in developing countries. Current exposure to OC pesticides - dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), lindane (99% pure gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) - occurs on a limited basis. We measured para, para' (p,p')-DDE, p,p'-DDT, ortho, para' (o,p')-DDT, HCB, beta (beta)-HCH (the most persistent isomer of technical-grade HCH) and gamma-HCH in serum from 426 low-income pregnant Latina women living in an agricultural community in California. Detection frequencies were 94% to 100%. Median levels (ng/g lipid) of p,p'-DDE (1,052), p,p'-DDT (13), beta-HCH (37) and HCB (65) were significantly higher than United States population levels. Multivariate analyses of p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, beta-HCH and HCB indicate that time spent living outside the United States and birthplace in an area of Mexico with recent use of OC pesticides were significant predictors of exposure. Time spent living in the United States was associated with increased serum levels of p,p'-DDE and beta-HCH, but the increase for each year lived in the United States was lower than for each year lived outside the United States. There was no difference between the increase of HCB levels over time spent in or outside the United States, suggesting current and thus preventable exposure routes. However, we observed no associations between serum levels of any OC compound and current intake of saturated fat or agricultural take-home exposure risk factors. Lactation history and recent weight gain were negatively associated with serum levels of some, but not all OC compounds studied. Smoking history was borderline associated with elevated HCB levels. We observed no significant associations with body mass index. Although the weight of evidence from this study indicates that most exposure occurred before moving to the United States, the results for HCB indicate the possibility of ongoing exposure in this country.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Thermophilic aerobic treatment of a synthetic wastewater in a membrane-coupled bioreactor.

Synthetic wastewater containing alpha-lactose and gelatin was treated in a thermophilic membrane-coupled bioreactor (MBR). Thermophilic (>45 degrees C) treatment represents a potentially advantageous process for high-temperature as well as high-strength industrial wastewaters susceptible to reactor autoheating. Thermophilic systems, however, generally support a nonflocculating biomass that resists conventional methods of cell separation from the treated wastewater. MBRs were applied to thermophilic treatment systems because bacterial cells can be retained regardless of cell aggregation. Thermophilic aerobic MBRs were successfully operated at high levels of biocatalyst and produced a better effluent quality than analogous thermophilic bioreactors without cell recycle. At a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 13.1 h, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the membrane eluate improved from 760 mg l(-1) (without cell recycle) to 160 mg l(-1) (with cell recycle). Bacterial community shifts were detected by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments - 6 of 13 bands disappeared within 2 days of MBR operation. A concomitant 40-50% reduction in physiological indicators of cell reactivity (RNA:protein; ATP:protein) was also observed. The specific activity of beta-galactosidase and aminopeptidase, however, increased by 10-25%, indicating that there is a definite advantage to MBR operation at the highest biomass level possible. Nucleotide sequence analysis of 16S rDNA clones identified phylotypes from the low-G+C Gram-positive division and the beta- and gamma-subdivisions of Proteobacteria.

Aerobiosis↗
PubMed2002

The prevalence of autoantibodies in an elderly sub-Saharan African population.

In the present prospective, census-based study we have investigated the prevalence of organ-specific and non-organ-specific autoantibodies (AAb) in 152 unselected Cameroonians aged 60 years and older living in the community. AAb were detected in 49% of the participants. Non-organ-specific AAb (47%) predominated over organ-specific AAb (7%). Anti-TPO, anti-Tm, anti-Tg and anti-PC AAb were completely absent. RF was the most frequent AAb, being found in 57 (38%) cases. The prevalences of anti-SMA and RF were significantly higher in women than in men (respectively, P=0.023 and P=0.016). Higher serum concentrations of gammaglobulins were accompanied by a higher prevalence of RF (P < 0.0001) and a lower prevalence of ANA (P=0.036). The overall prevalence of AAb was higher in the filaria-infected (60%) compared to the non-infected (42%) participants (P=0.046). There was no significant influence of the vitamin D status, number of pregnancies, physical activity or medication use on the prevalence of AAb. In this study a heterogeneous pattern for the presence of the various AAb was found. Some AAb, which are commonly encountered in other studies on elderly subjects, were completely absent in this population. This diversified pattern of AAb prevalence therefore argues in favour of exogenous influences in the occurrence of AAb in elderly populations.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Duration of untreated psychosis and treatment outcome in schizophrenia patients untreated for many years.

OBJECTIVE: The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) influences treatment outcome in schizophrenia but its relevance in untreated patients, ill for a very long duration, is not known. This study examined outcome and factors related to it after one year of treatment of schizophrenia patients who were ill for many years and not previously treated. METHOD: Among 75 never-treated patients with schizophrenia detected in a community survey in Chennai, India, 49 took treatment and were followed up prospectively for one year. Evaluation at intake and outcome was carried out using standardized methods. RESULTS: A good clinical outcome in 29%, social outcome in 35%, occupational outcome in 51% and global outcome in 31% was observed at the end of one year. Patients with poor global outcome did not significantly differ from those with good outcome on demographic and clinical variables at intake but for the presence of delusions and formal thought disorder. The proportion with good outcome in clinical, work and global measures fell steadily with increasing DUP. This difference was significant for clinical and global outcomes after a DUP of 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between DUP and response to treatment held good even in chronic stages of schizophrenia with longer DUP associated with poorer outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Mental disorders in Australian prisoners: a comparison with a community sample.

BACKGROUND: The plight of those with mental health problems and the possible role of prisons in "warehousing" these individuals has received considerable media and political attention. Prisoners are generally excluded from community-based surveys and to date no studies have compared prisoners to the community. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine whether excess psychiatric morbidity exists in prisoners compared to the general community after adjusting for demographics. METHOD: Prison data were obtained from a consecutive sample of reception prisoners admitted into the state's correctional system in 2001 (n = 916). Community data were obtained from the 1997 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (n = 8168). Mental health diagnoses were obtained using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and a number of other screening measures. Weighting was used in calculating the 12-month prevalence estimates to control for demographic differences between the two samples. Logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and education was used to compare the prison and community samples. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of any psychiatric illness in the last year was 80% in prisoners and 31% in the community. Substantially more psychiatric morbidity was detected among prisoners than in the community group after accounting for demographic differences, particularly symptoms of psychosis (OR = 11.8, 95% CI 7.5-18.7), substance use disorders (OR = 11.4, 95% CI 9.7-13.6) and personality disorders (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 7.2-10.3). Mental functioning and disability score were worse for prisoners than the community except for physical health. CONCLUSIONS: This study found an overrepresentation of psychiatric morbidity in the prisoner population. Identifying the causes of this excess requires further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Postpartum depression as profiled through the depression screening scale.

PURPOSE: To describe in greater depth the profiles of the dimensions of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), with a focus on those women identified with postpartum depression (PPD), and to provide a discussion of the implications for early detection in the community. METHOD AND DESIGN: Subanalysis of data from 150 new mothers who completed the PDSS and had a DSM-IV diagnostic interview conducted by a nurse psychotherapist. Data analysis focused on exploring the profiles of women who were diagnosed with PPD as well as those who were not. RESULTS: The respondents within the major PPD group averaged scores twice as high as those in the nondepressed group, and described more profound emotional responses to their maternal role transitions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PPD should be conceptualized as occurring in a continuum, with symptoms worsening over time for some women. Nurses working across healthcare settings can use the PDSS for identifying women with PPD. All healthcare providers who are in contact with postpartum women should be open to discussing these women's emotional needs, and should assess women on an ongoing basis. Using all opportunities to listen to women's unique stories that unfold during the postpartum period can help identify women who require treatment for this curable illness.

Depression, Postpartum↗
PubMed2006

Ecotypic variation in the context of global climate change: revisiting the rules.

Patterns of ecotypic variation constitute some of the few 'rules' known to modern biology. Here, we examine several well-known ecogeographical rules, especially those pertaining to body size in contemporary, historical and fossil taxa. We review the evidence showing that rules of geographical variation in response to variation in the local environment can also apply to morphological changes through time in response to climate change. These rules hold at various time scales, ranging from contemporary to geological time scales. Patterns of body size variation in response to climate change at the individual species level may also be detected at the community level. The patterns underlying ecotypic variation are complex and highly context-dependent, reducing the 'predictive-power' of ecogeographical rules. This is especially true when considering the increasing impact of human activities on the environment. Nonetheless, ecogeographical rules may help interpret the likely influences of anthropogenic climate change on ecosystems. Global climate change has already influenced the body size of several contemporary species, and will likely have an even greater impact on animal communities in the future. For this reason, we highlight and emphasise the importance of museum specimens and the continued need for documenting the earth's biological diversity.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Occurrence and distribution of endobacteria in the plant-associated mycelium of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor S238N.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization, associated with confocal laser scanning microscopy or epifluorescence microscopy with deconvolution system, has allowed the detection of a community of intracellular bacteria in non-axenic samples of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor S238N. The endobacteria, mainly alpha-proteobacteria, were present in more than half of the samples, which consisted of ectomycorrhizae, fungal mats and fruit bodies, collected in the glasshouse or in the forest. Acridine orange staining suggests that the endobacteria inhabit both live and dead fungal cells. The role of these endobacteria remains to be clarified.

Acridine Orange↗
PubMed2006

Combined use of 16S ribosomal DNA and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis to study the bacterial community in catfish ponds.

AIMS: To apply culture-independent techniques to explore the bacterial community composition in catfish pond water. METHODS AND RESULTS: 16S rDNA libraries were constructed and sequenced from 15 pond water samples. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) was used to fingerprint each bacterial community. A broad diversity in bacterial species composition was found by 16S rDNA analysis. Alphaproteobacteria was the most represented class in all ponds, followed by Gammaproteobacteria and Gram-positive high G + C content bacteria. Uniqueness of bacterial communities from each individual pond was confirmed by ARISA. Catfish pathogens were detected sporadically. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial communities in a catfish aquaculture setting can vary from pond to pond at one given point. No correlation could be made between bacteria composition and fish strain or between bacterial profile and the presence of catfish pathogens in a particular pond. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report showing the composition of bacterial communities in catfish ponds. Fish health specialists and catfish aquaculture managers should be aware of the wide differences in bacterial communities between ponds and include this variable in fish husbandry practices.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Preventive care in Appalachia: use of the theory of planned behavior to identify barriers to participation in cholesterol screenings among West Virginians.

CONTEXT: West Virginians are at increased risk for heart disease. Given that the process of atherosclerosis begins in childhood, the Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities Project was developed to reduce this risk by implementing a cholesterol screening program in the schools. However, participation rates have been less than desired. PURPOSE: This study examined the barriers to participation in preventive health screenings, specifically cholesterol screenings, in adults and children of West Virginia using the theory of planned behavior to guide conceptualization. METHODS: A total of 14 community leaders, 36 parents, and 92 fifth-grade children from 6 West Virginia counties with predominately rural populations participated in individual and focus group interviews. Qualitative analysis was used to examine interview transcripts. FINDINGS: Adult and child attitudes about preventive care were the largest barrier to cholesterol screenings. Adult attitudinal barriers included concerns with outcomes of testing, lack of knowledge about cholesterol and heart disease, concerns about needles, and traditional Appalachian cultural beliefs (resistance to change, denial, and fatalism). Children cited concerns about needles, outcomes of testing, privacy, and lack of concern about health and cholesterol. Adults also acknowledged environmental barriers to screenings. Finally, children reported a lack of social pressure to participate in prevention activities. CONCLUSIONS: Attitudinal, social normative, and environmental barriers to health screenings may be characteristic of impoverished rural Appalachians. Interventions are being designed to target these belief barriers to improve participation in cholesterol screenings for fifth graders.

Adult↗