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PubMed1996

An amplitude-specific divergence in the pulsatile mode of growth hormone (GH) secretion underlies the gender difference in mean GH concentrations in men and premenopausal women.

Although many studies have discerned higher serum GH concentrations in women than in men, based on measurements of single random blood samples or integrated 24-h means, the neuroendocrine mechanisms that underlie such gender differences have not been defined. Such mechanisms might entail an increase in GH-secretory burst frequency, amplitude, or duration, heightened interpulse basal GH release, or a prolonged half-life of GH. These mechanisms can be distinguished by deconvolution analysis of appropriate GH time series. Earlier studies employed RIA or IRMA with sensitivities of 0.1-0.5 microgram/L, which result in frequently undetectable serum GH concentrations. To address these limitations, we undertook blood sampling at 10-min intervals for 24 h and applied a high-sensitivity immunofluorometric assay of GH (sensitivity 0.0115 microgram/L). Multiparameter deconvolution analysis was used to estimate specific features of GH secretion, while simultaneously calculating the half-life of endogenous GH. Eleven men and 11 premenopausal women from the same community were studied. Discrete peak detection by Cluster was employed as a complementary half-life-independent technique to assign variations in serum GH into pulsatile and basal fractions over 24 h. Cluster revealed significantly higher mean serum GH concentrations over 24 h in women (0.78 +/- 0.08 microgram/L) compared with in men (0.27 +/- 0.03 microgram/L, P < 0.00005). Women exhibited significantly higher maximal serum GH concentration peak values than men (2.08 +/- 0.34 microgram/L in women, 0.67 +/- 0.11 microgram/L in men, P = 0.0008), which could be, in turn, attributed to a significantly increased incremental serum GH peak amplitude (1.85 +/- 0.33 microgram/L in women vs. 0.60 +/- 0.10 microgram/L in men, P = 0.0021) and a longer peak duration (114 +/- 8 min in women, 86 +/- 4 min in men, P = 0.008). The mean area under the serum GH concentration peak was significantly (3-fold) higher in women than in men (98 +/- 17 micrograms/L.min in women, 34 +/- 8 micrograms/L.min in men, P = 0.0046). Serum GH peak frequency was similar in women (9.7 +/- 0.8 peak/24 h) and men (10.7 +/- 1.1 peak/24 h, P = NS). The mechanisms underlying the increase in serum GH concentration pulse amplitude, duration, and area were investigated further by deconvolution analysis. Deconvolution analysis disclosed equivalent secretory pulse frequencies in women and men (13 +/- 0.9 bursts/day in women, 10.5 +/- 1.3 bursts/day in men,P = NS), and statistically indistinguishable mean interburst intervals of 106 +/- 8 min in women and 150 +/- 26 min in men (P = NS). GH-secretory burst mass was significantly higher in women by approximately 2.4-fold (P = 0.0013) compared with in men, which was attributed to a greater burst amplitude. Only low levels of basal GH release were inferred in women (5%) and men (9%), which did not differ significantly between genders. Moreover, the calculated half-life of endogenous GH was no different in women compared with in men: 15.8 +/- 0.7 min vs. 17.1 +/- 0.8 min, respectively (P = NS). The calculated daily secretion rate was 3-fold higher in women (47 +/- 4.8 micrograms/L.24 h) than in men (15 +/- 1.8 micrograms/L.24 h) (P < 0.001). In summary, discrete peak-detection analysis of serum GH concentration profiles collected at 10-min intervals over 24 h in men and premenopausal women discloses significantly different mean serum GH concentrations that are accounted for by higher maximal and incremental serum GH peak amplitudes. Deconvolution analysis demonstrated that the mechanism supporting the amplitude-specific difference in women was an augmentation of the GH-secretory burst mass caused by a higher GH-secretory burst amplitude. These gender differences were highly specific because the frequency of detectable GH-secretory bursts, the calculated endogenous half-life, and the estimated basal GH release were no different in women than in men.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Pneumococcal antigen persistence in sputum from patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

The purpose of this study was to establish the diagnostic value of pneumococcal capsular antigen by comparing this with the results of Gram stain and culture in representative and nonrepresentative sputa during follow-up in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Antigen was detected by a latex particle agglutination test. At the time of hospital admission, antigen was detected in 17 representative sputum specimens from 30 patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, which was comparable to the results of Gram stain and culture. In five additional patients, antigen was demonstrated in nonrepresentative specimens. During follow-up under antibiotic treatment, this number increased by six: three patients with representative and three patients with nonrepresentative sputum, respectively. Two of the 22 patients with pneumonia of other known cause had an antigen-positive sputum on admission and in another two patients, sputum antigen was detected during follow-up. Ten of 34 patients with pneumonia of unknown cause had detectable antigen in representative or nonrepresentative sputum on admission. During follow-up, antigen was detected in sputa of an additional seven patients. There was no difference in duration of antigen persistence between patients with pneumococcal pneumonia and pneumonia of unknown cause. It was observed that the first antigen-positive sputum specimen was always detected within the first five days of the hospital stay. We conclude that antigen detection in both representative and nonrepresentative sputum specimens at the time of hospital admission and during follow-up is of additional value for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. It markedly increases the number of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia detected, who would otherwise be considered to have pneumonia of unknown cause. However, antigen-positive results should be interpreted carefully, especially in those pneumonia patients with chronic bronchitis, because detectable antigen may be caused by pneumococcal carriership of the lower respiratory tract.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Invasion in a diversity hotspot: exotic cover and native richness in the Californian serpentine flora.

Exotic species have been observed to be more prevalent in sites where the richness of native species is highest, possibly reflecting variation among sites in resources, propagule supply, heterogeneity, or disturbance. However, such a pattern leaves unclear whether natives at species-rich sites are subject to especially severe impacts from exotics as a result. We considered this question using path models in which relationships between exotic cover and native richness were evaluated in the presence of correlated environmental factors. At 109 sites on serpentine soils across California, USA, exotic cover was positively correlated with total native herbaceous richness and was negatively correlated with the richness of both serpentine-endemic and rare native herbs. However, in path models that accounted for the influences of soil chemistry, disturbance, overstory cover, and regional rainfall and elevation, we found no indication that exotic cover reduced any component of native herb richness. Rather, our results indicated similarities and differences in the conditions favoring exotic, native, endemic, and rare species. Our results suggest that, in spite of some localized impacts, exotic species are not exerting a detectable overall effect on the community richness of the unique native flora of Californian serpentine.

Biodiversity↗
PubMed2005

Risk factors for kala-azar in Bangladesh.

Since 1990, South Asia has experienced a resurgence of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). To determine risk factors for kala-azar, we performed cross-sectional surveys over a 3-year period in a Bangladeshi community. By history, active case detection, and serologic screening, 155 of 2,356 residents had kala-azar with onset from 2000 to 2003. Risk was highest for persons 3-45 years of age, and no significant difference by sex was seen. In age-adjusted multivariable models, 3 factors were identified: proximity to a previous kala-azar patient (odds ratio [OR] 25.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15-44 within household; OR 3.2 95% CI 1.7-6.1 within 50 m), bed net use in summer (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.53-0.93), and cattle per 1,000 m2 (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.70-0.94]). No difference was seen by income, education, or occupation; land ownership or other assets; housing materials and condition; or keeping goats or chickens inside bedrooms. Our data confirm strong clustering and suggest that insecticide-treated nets could be effective in preventing kala-azar.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Colorectal cancer epidemiology in minorities: a review.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In 1997, more than 131,000 new cases and more than 54,000 deaths were estimated. Racial and ethnic disparities in incidence, mortality and survival rates, and trends exist for this disease. Differences in colorectal cancer screening, early detection, and treatment in minority communities are related to therapeutic outcomes. Age-adjusted incidence rates for men with colorectal cancer are highest for Alaskan native men, followed by Japanese, then African-American men. For women, the incidence is highest for Alaskan native women, followed by African-American, then Japanese women. Mortality rates in men are highest for African Americans, followed by Alaskan natives and then Hawaiians. In women, mortality rates are highest for Alaskan natives, then African Americans and whites. Colorectal cancer screening rates vary by race, income, and education. It is interesting that, when compared with whites, African-American men demonstrate the higher reported rate of screening for this disease. In addition, site specificity is different for African Americans compared with whites. Findings also reveal that stage at diagnosis is an influential factor with regard to mortality and survival. This may be related in part to socioeconomic factors, differences in anatomic site, and treatment differences in African Americans. Risk factor data for this disease are scarce for minority populations. Documented differences in colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates exist between minorities and whites. Additional research is needed on risk factors specific to African Americans and other minorities, differences in treatment, and the role of socioeconomic status.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence of obesity and its association with blood pressure, serum lipids and selected lifestyles in a Puerto Rican population of adolescents 12-16 years of age.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of obesity and determine its association with blood pressure, serum lipids and lifestyles in adolescents attending a public junior-high school in San Juan, Puerto Rico. METHODS: During the 1999-2000 academic school year, 352 students, ranging in age from 12 years to 16 years, were screened for weight, height, and blood pressure. A sub-sample of voluntary adolescents (n = 26) was screened for serum lipids and lifestyles were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of level I obesity and level II obesity among 12 to 16 years old adolescents were 33.2% and 14.2%, respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly higher in obese than in non-obese adolescents (p < .001). There were no significant differences in serum lipids between the study groups (p > .05). However, the obese group showed higher median levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study group reported engaging in hazardous lifestyles (alcohol intake, smoking, and unhealthy eating patterns), but no real differences in lifestyles were found between obese and non-obese groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of level I and level II obesity was found in this population. In addition, significant positive correlations between blood pressure and body mass index were observed. This study underscores the need to assess the burden of obesity in Puerto Rico in order to develop community intervention strategies encouraging early detection and conduct modification towards healthier lifestyles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Dietary fiber intake and dental health status in urban-marginal, and rural communities in central Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Oral health status in older people is frequently poor which can contribute to inadequate dietary patterns and nutrition status. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an association between the number of teeth present and dietary fiber intake exists in elderly people living independently, across different geographic and socioeconomic locations. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in three Mexican communities (urban, marginal urban, and rural), incorporating geographic and socio-demographic information and a 24-hour diet recall. Dental status (teeth present, coronal and root caries, and periodontal status) was determined by clinical examination. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's chi2 and Tukey's range tests. RESULTS: 407 persons 60 years old and over participated in the study. Subjects in the rural community had better dental/periodontal status and more teeth present than urban and marginal-urban participants. Intake of fiber was 8.4 g/day for the urban, 7.6 g/day for the marginal-urban, and 13.5 g/day for the rural community. While gender had no detectable effect, the location of residence and the number of teeth present were associated with mean fiber intake; having more than 21 teeth and/or living in a rural location were associated with increased mean fiber intake.

Age Distribution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Space flight effects on bacterial physiology.

The study of bacterial behavior under space flight conditions is highly important for the early detection of changes in bacterial communities and bacteria with medical, environmental, or life support consequences for survival of the crew in closed space environments. Although many species of prokaryotes have been studied in ground simulation facilities or have been flown in space flights, at present only few hard research data are available to predict the effects of cosmic radiation, microgravity, vibration and hypervelocity on microbial behavior in space flight. The results that are available tend to be fragmentary and often lack a classical, controlled experimental context to interpret them. Thus, many basic questions concerning the effects of space on microbial behavior have yet to be resolved.

Bacteria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of an immunochromatographic card test with night blood smear examination for detection of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria carriers.

BACKGROUND: At present, two diagnostic tests--Og4C3 ELISA and an immunochromatographic card test (ICT)--are available to detect circulating filarial antigens of Wuchereria bancrofti in serum/whole blood samples collected during the day. We aimed to assess the sensitivity of the new format card test 'NOW ICT Filariasis' in detecting microfilaria carriers of W. bancrofti in comparison with conventional microscopic techniques and Og4C3 ELISA. METHODS: A total of 200 persons were selected from two villages following a quota sampling design (100 in each village). The required number of houses was selected using a systematic sampling procedure with a random start of the first household. Blood samples were taken from all the available persons in each selected house until the quota of 100 was reached. The new format ICT test, Og4C3 ELISA and night blood smear examination for microfilaria were carried out following standard procedures. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the new format ICT test was 100% among microfilaria carriers (detected by both early and late readings). The kappa statistic measure of agreement between the two readings of all the samples (n =200) tested was 0.811 (p<0.05). The new format test also reported 25% of microfilaria-negative individuals as being positive for circulating filarial antigens. However, the diagnostic lines were not stable beyond 10 minutes (particularly in the case of amicrofilaraemic persons). Though there was an overall agreement between the results of ICT and Og4C3 tests (kappa =0.612; p< 0.05), the sensitivity of the Og4C3 test was lower than that of ICT. CONCLUSION: The new format ICT test is highly sensitive in detecting microfilaria carriers in endemic communities. Improvement in the format to provide stable diagnostic lines, specificity of the format and cost of the test kit are to be considered before its large-scale use.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Diagnosis of the haemoglobinopathies.

Despite having been extensively studied at both the biochemical, haematological and molecular levels, the haemoglobinopathies continue to provide a diagnostic challenge particularly in the multiethnic communities seen in Australia. Early detection and characterisation of the haemoglobinopathies is essential so that appropriate counselling can be provided to couples and families who may be at risk of severe haematological consequences. Although DNA diagnostics have made a major impact on our understanding and detection of the haemoglobinopathies, DNA mutation testing should never be considered a short cut or the test of first choice in the workup of a haemoglobinopathy. A careful three tier approach involving: (1) Full blood count (2) Special haematological tests, followed by (3) DNA mutation analysis, provides the most effective way in which to detect primary gene mutations as well as gene-gene interactions that can influence the overall phenotype. Just as important as the laboratory investigations is the family work up. Often, the first and most helpful clue to gene gene interactions comes from the family study. In Australia, there are many different forms of alpha and beta thalassaemia. Increasingly, different Hb Variants are being detected, and their effects per se, or in combination with the thalassaemias, provide additional diagnostic challenges.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Contamination of drinking water during collection and storage.

Drinking water contamination during abstraction, storage and use was determined in a suburban community in Rangoon, Burma, by detecting faecal coliforms (FC) with membrane filtration method. Increasing contamination during water collection, from the source to home storage, was found in all the studied households using 4 different types of drinking water. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Bacillus↗
PubMed1983

California's approach to hypertension control: an overview.

California's Department of Health Services, recognizing the serious community health problem presented by uncontrolled hypertension, developed community-based programs of early detection and referral, follow-up and education. Special consideration was given to underserved populations at high risk. A statewide probability household survey was conducted and showed an improvement in control status during the past decade for definite and critical hypertension, but not for mild hypertension. With diminishing public resources, future efforts must be cost effective, focus on care for persons known to have hypertension and encourage maximum coordination between private and public agencies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of tuberculosis transmission in a community by 1 year of systematic typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates.

Interhuman transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was investigated by using molecular typing, including restriction fragment length polymorphism with probes IS6110, DR (direct repeat) and PGRS (polymorphic GC-rich sequence) and a PCR method using the inverted repeat sequences of IS6110 as primers. From 105 patients hospitalized for tuberculosis during a 1-year survey in three hospitals in Paris, France, 111 isolates were collected and analyzed. Eighty-eight patients were infected with genetically different isolates, demonstrating the clonal heterogeneity of M. tuberculosis in these patients originating from various geographical areas. Fourteen patients were infected by strains clustered with identical fingerprints. An epidemiological relatedness was demonstrated for isolates from only seven of these patients. Thus, the typing of isolates from all tuberculous patients in hospitals during 1 year allows the detection of transmission in the general community. This would improve the case findings, thereby further improving the detection of outbreaks.

Adult↗
PubMed2007

Comparison of CE-SSCP and DGGE for monitoring a complex microbial community remediating mine drainage.

Capillary electrophoresis single-strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP) is a promising high-throughput tool for profiling complex bioremediation communities, but has not been well characterized with respect to other methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The purpose of this study was to compare CE-SSCP with DGGE with respect to: 1) overall representation of the community in terms of the dominant species identified and corresponding Shannon diversity indices; 2) reproducibility and resolution; and 3) artifacts, using a complex sulfate-reducing community remediating mine drainage as a model system. Some of the dominant microorganisms were detected by both methods, but there were also differences in the reported community compositions, and more phylogenetic groups were detected by CE-SSCP. CE-SSCP Shannon diversity indices were slightly higher than those determined from DGGE data, and differed in terms of the time point at which the community was reported to have the highest diversity. Both methods had high reproducibility, but CE-SSCP resolution was higher in terms of the total number of peaks resolved, reduced co-migration of distinct DNA sequences, and length and legibility of the DNA sequencing data of clones used to identify peaks. Ten double bands in the same lane representing the same species were found by DGGE, whereas only one such artifact was observed by CE-SSCP. Finally, less overall sample preparation and analysis time was required for CE-SSCP than for DGGE. The results suggest that CE-SSCP offers several advantages over DGGE, especially for high-throughput monitoring.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1998

Genetics and community health nursing.

Genetic discoveries affect the practice of community health nurses. These nurses identify groups at risk for genetic diseases and participate in newborn screening, carrier detection testing, and presymptomatic genetic testing programs. Community health nurses also provide direct nursing care to individuals with genetic disorders. Protecting clients from harmful use of genetic information, planning and implementing genetic screening programs, and identifying genetic resources are essential components of the community health nurse's role.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Preschool children of battered women identified in a community setting.

This study describes and compares health, developmental, and behavioral manifestations of witnessing domestic violence in a health department population of preschool children (n = 15) of women detected to be battered (Conflict Tactics Scale [CTS], Straus, 1979). Comparisons included a community sample of the preschool children of nonbattered women (n = 62) to study the effect of mothers being battered, and a shelter sample of the preschool children of battered women (n = 53) to study the effect of "sheltering" on children's characteristics. Instrumentation included behavioral subscales, physical assessment, Denver II Developmental Screening, hemoglobin and lead levels, immunization, and nonmotor vehicle accident histories. Results showed more similarities between children of community (nonsheltered), battered and nonbattered women, but showed more differences between the children of community (nonsheltered) battered women and the children of sheltered, battered women. Battering intensity of the women was more severe in the shelter sample according to the CTS (p < .001), and more abnormal findings in their children were detected than in the community sample. When children of community (nonsheltered), battered women (n = 15) and children of sheltered, battered women (n = 53) were included in discriminant analysis of demographic characteristics, health status, and psychosocial variables, 87% of each group was classified correctly.

Battered Women↗
PubMed2001

Comparative effects of a genetically engineered insect virus and a growth-regulating insecticide on microbial communities in aquatic microcosms.

The effects of a genetically engineered insect baculovirus on indigenous aquatic microbial communities were determined in closed, recirculating aquatic microcosms, and compared with the effects of a natural strain of the virus and of a growth-regulating insecticide, Dimilin. The recombinant virus was a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Cf)) with a lacZ marker gene inserted into the egt region of the CfNPV. The natural virus was Ireland strain CfNPV. Microbial measurement endpoints included decomposition activity (mass loss of organic material), respiration on two different substrates (O2 consumption), heterotrophic bacterial abundance (plate counts), and microbial community metabolic profiles (carbon source utilization patterns in Biolog GN microplates). Viral DNA of both the natural strain and the recombinant viruses, detected by polymerase chain reaction techniques, settled out of the microcosm water and accumulated on bottom substrates within 3 days of the microcosm inoculations. The viral DNA persisted in bottom substrates for the duration of the 21-day experimental period, although there was some evidence that the recombinant virus was less stable than the natural strain in particulate organic matter. No significant changes in microbial decomposition or respiration activity, bacterial abundance, or average metabolic responses were detected by a time trend analysis in microcosms inoculated with either the lacZ recombinant virus or the natural Ireland strain CfNPV. Significant effects on microbial decomposition and respiration activity were detected in microcosms treated with the growth-regulating insecticide at, and above, the expected environmental concentrations. Despite significant effects on microbial community functional attributes in Dimilin-treated microcosms, there were no detectable changes in community structure in terms of metabolic profiles or bacterial abundance.

DNA, Viral↗
PubMed2006

Targeting newly enrolled low-age school children for the control of the intestinal helminth infection in rural Nepal.

This study aims to identify an effective intervention group for the control of the intestinal helminth infection among school-age children in rural Nepal. We examined 1677 stool samples of school-age children from 25 schools and 1014 samples from 25 communities in rural Nepal. We used formalin-ether sedimentation technique for the microscopic examination of the stool samples and identified three major intestinal helminths: Ascariasis lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura. Our results revealed that the newly enrolled under-6-year-old children at the schools were more widely infected with at least one of the three major helminths than those in the communities (odds ratio [OR] 2.29). We detected a significant difference in the prevalence of A. lumbricoides (OR 1.70), hookworm (OR 2.57) and T.trichiura (OR 3.23) between under-6-year-old children at the schools and those at the communities. The study results suggest that an appropriate deworming programme is needed for the newly enrolled under-6-year-old children in the primary schools in Nepal.

Adolescent↗