Search

This paper examines the importance of environmental factors (mosquito pools and home foreclosures) in human West Nile virus (WNV) transmission in California and Colorado. The role of environmental factors is investigated by applying an instrumental variable technique to a spatial filtering random-effects negative binomial model to correct for both spatial autocorrelation and endogeneity. The results suggest that mosquito pools and home foreclosures are significant in explaining the prevalence of human WNV. An innovative aspect of this research is that it emphasizes the role of home foreclosures in WNV transmission and in the allocation of resources. Knowledge of the factors associated with WNV prevalence is crucial for abatement of future outbreaks. The results suggest that more resources should be allocated to areas that have a high number of home foreclosures and mosquito pools for surveillance and mitigation of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] In both sexes, neonatal HI acutely increases BDNF levels in forebrain but not diencephalon. [•] In both sexes, HI decreases BDNF in forebrain and TrkB activation in diencephalon. [•] Only in female mice, neonatal HI increases p75ntr and truncated TrkB levels. [•] Only in male mice, nec-1 preserves BDNF levels and TrkB activation. [•] BDNF changes directly correlate with estrogen receptor α:β ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective:Opioids and clonidine, used in for sedation, analgesia and control of opioid withdrawal in neonates, directly or indirectly activate opioid receptors (OPRs) expressed in immune cells. Therefore, our objective is to study how clinically relevant concentrations of different opioids and clonidine change cytokine levels in cultured whole blood from preterm and full-term infants.Study Design:Using blood from preterm ( 30 weeks gestational age (GA), n=7) and full-term (37 weeks GA, n=19) infants, we investigated the changes in cytokine profile (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and μ-, δ- and κ- opioid receptor (OPR) gene and protein expression, following in-vitro exposure to morphine, methadone, fentanyl or clonidine at increasing concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 mM.Result:Following lipopolysaccharide activation, IL-10 levels were 146-fold greater in cultured blood from full-term than from preterm infants. Morphine and methadone, but not fentanyl, at >10-5 M decreased all tested cytokines except IL-8. In contrast, clonidine at <10-9 M increased IL-6, while at >10-5 M increased IL-1β and decreased TNF-α levels. All cytokine changes followed the same patterns in preterm and full-term infant cultured blood and matched increases in cAMP levels. All three μ-, δ- and κ-OPR genes were expressed in mononuclear cells (MNC) from preterm and full-term infants. Morphine, methadone and clonidine, but not fentanyl, at >10-5M decreased the expression of μ-OPR, but not δ- or κ-OPRs.Conclusion:Generalized cytokine suppression along with downregulation of μ-OPR expression observed in neonatal MNC exposed to morphine and methadone at clinically relevant concentrations contrast with the modest effects observed with fentanyl and clonidine. Therefore, we speculate that fentanyl and clonidine may be safer therapeutic choices for sedation and control of opioid withdrawal and pain in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inborn error of metabolism caused by alpha-galactosidase A deficiency. The Fabry Registry is an ongoing, global observational database that compiles clinical data from patients with FD. Methods: Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics of Fabry Registry patients enrolled in Argentina were analysed and compared with patients enrolled in the rest of the world (ROW). Baseline clinical parameters included chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and left ventricular posterior wall thickness. Only data from untreated patients were included. Results: As of 1 October 2010, 3752 patients were enrolled in the Registry, 70 patients from Argentina and 3682 from the ROW. Argentinean male subjects were younger than Fabry Registry male subjects enrolled in ROW: mean current age 32.5 years vs. 39.0 years for men (p = 0.0257 by t-test). The current age (mean ± standard deviation) of female subjects enrolled in Argentina was not significantly different from that of female subjects enrolled in the ROW: 40.1 ± 17.28 vs. 43.2 ±17.95 years respectively (p = 0.2967). Overall, a smaller percentage of patients from Argentina received ERT compared with patients in the ROW (54% vs. 58% respectively). When evaluated by gender, more men and fewer women in Argentina received ERT compared with ROW (85% vs. 79% for men and 27% vs. 38% for women). A larger proportion of patients in ROW had severe CKD (stage 4 or 5) compared with Argentina (9.8% vs. 0%), most likely because of the older age of the ROW population. Conclusions: The enrolment of Argentinean patients into the Fabry Registry has steadily increased, as has the inclusion of female and paediatric patients with FD. The medical community in Argentina should be aware of FD in these populations, as awareness will facilitate prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment, thus leading to improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Management decisions on unilateral orchiectomy are often influenced by the potential for post operative return to successful breeding. The effects of 2 surgical methods (first intention [ FI] vs. second intention [ SI] incision healing) for unilateral orchiectomy on resulting semen quality and scrotal temperature were evaluated. Objective To evaluate the effects of 2 surgical unilateral orchiectomy techniques on scrotal healing, size of the remaining testis and post operative sperm quality. Materials and methods Unilateral orchiectomy was performed on mature Miniature Horse stallions. Semen was collected prior to and up to 60 days after, unilateral orchiectomy. Semen parameters, scrotal and body temperatures, testis volume and days to incision healing were evaluated. Results There was no effect of treatment or time on percent total sperm motility. Total sperm numbers were higher ( P<0.05) 60 days after unilateral orchiectomy compared with 14 and 30 days. Percent viable sperm were higher ( P<0.05) 30 and 60 days compared with pre- and 14 day post unilateral orchiectomy. Scrotal temperatures were lower after unilateral orchiectomy compared with preoperative values ( P≤0.003). Higher scrotal temperatures were recorded in Group FI, as compared with Group SI, during recovery from anaesthesia and at 1 and 2 h after surgery ( P = 0.02). Mean time to incision healing was less in Group FI (10.0 days) than in Group SI (21.5 days; P = 0.05). Conclusion In this study, total sperm motility was maintained and size of the remaining testis, total sperm numbers and percent viable sperm increased after unilateral orchiectomy. Incision healing time was shorter in Group FI; however, surgical technique did not have an effect on semen quality at 30 and 60 days post unilateral orchiectomy. Potential relevance These data suggest that surgical technique for unilateral orchiectomy may not dramatically influence function of the remaining testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To test the association of family history of diabetes with the adoption of diabetes risk-reducing behaviors and whether this association is strengthened by physician advice or commonly known factors associated with diabetes risk.Research Design and Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the effects of family history of diabetes on the adoption of selected risk-reducing behaviors in 8,598 adults (aged ≥20 years) without diabetes. We used multiple logistic regression to model three risk reduction behaviors (controlling or losing weight, increasing physical activity, and reducing the amount of dietary fat or calories) with family history of diabetes.Results: Overall, 36.2% of U.S. adults without diabetes had a family history of diabetes. Among them, ~39.8% reported receiving advice from a physician during the past year regarding any of the three selected behaviors compared with 29.2% of participants with no family history (P < 0.01). In univariate analysis, adults with a family history of diabetes were more likely to perform these risk-reducing behaviors compared with adults without a family history. Physician advice was strongly associated with each of the behavioral changes (P < 0.01), and this did not differ by family history of diabetes.Conclusions: Familial risk for diabetes and physician advice both independently influence the adoption of diabetes risk-reducing behaviors. However, fewer than half of participants with familial risk reported receiving physician advice for adopting these behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease share risk factors. The influence of family history of diabetes on the odds of having metabolic syndrome has not been estimated for the U.S. population. Our objective was to quantify this association in a national sample of U.S. adults without diabetes. Methods: The sample included 4,937 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999–2004). Familial risk of diabetes was classified in 3 strata according to the combination of relatives affected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to guidelines issued by 4 groups or organizations. The prevalence and odds of this syndrome were compared among familial risk strata after controlling for relevant risk factors. Results: Overall, depending on the definition and after controlling for key variables, people with a moderate familial risk of diabetes, and people with a high familial risk of diabetes were between 1.4 and 1.6, and 1.6 and 1.8 times as likely, respectively, to have metabolic syndrome compared to people with average familial risk. Conclusion: In a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults without diabetes, family history of diabetes shows a significant, independent association with metabolic syndrome and its traits. This association supports the idea that shared genes and environment contribute to the expression of complex traits such as diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family history is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Professional guidelines usually include family history to assess health risk, initiate interventions, and motivate behavioral changes. The advantages of family history over other genomic tools include a lower cost, greater acceptability, and a reflection of shared genetic and environmental factors. However, the utility of family history in public health has been poorly explored. To establish family history as a public health tool, it needs to be evaluated within the ACCE framework (analytical validity; clinical validity; clinical utility; and ethical, legal, and social issues). Currently, private and public organizations are developing tools to collect standardized family histories of many diseases. Their goal is to create family history tools that have decision support capabilities and are compatible with electronic health records. These advances will help realize the potential of family history as a public health tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos de Cardiología de México is the property of Publicidad Permanyer SLU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Context: In March 2009, novel 2009 influenza A(H1N1) was first reported in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The population and health care system in Mexico City experienced the first and greatest early burden of critical illness.Objective: To describe baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of consecutive critically ill patients in Mexico hospitals that treated the majority of such patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected 2009 influenza A(H1N1).Design, Setting, and Patients: Observational study of 58 critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) at 6 hospitals between March 24 and June 1, 2009. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbid conditions, illness progression, treatments, and clinical outcomes were collected using a piloted case report form.Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was mortality. Secondary outcomes included rate of 2009 influenza (A)H1N1-related critical illness and mechanical ventilation as well as intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay.Results: Critical illness occurred in 58 of 899 patients (6.5%) admitted to the hospital with confirmed, probable, or suspected 2009 influenza (A)H1N1. Patients were young (median, 44.0 [range, 10-83] years); all presented with fever and all but 1 with respiratory symptoms. Few patients had comorbid respiratory disorders, but 21 (36%) were obese. Time from hospital to ICU admission was short (median, 1 day [interquartile range {IQR}, 0-3 days]), and all patients but 2 received mechanical ventilation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and refractory hypoxemia (median day 1 ratio of Pao(2) to fraction of inspired oxygen, 83 [IQR, 59-145] mm Hg). By 60 days, 24 patients had died (41.4%; 95% confidence interval, 28.9%-55.0%). Patients who died had greater initial severity of illness, worse hypoxemia, higher creatine kinase levels, higher creatinine levels, and ongoing organ dysfunction. After adjusting for a reduced opportunity of patients dying early to receive neuraminidase inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitor treatment (vs no treatment) was associated with improved survival (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-62.8).Conclusion: Critical illness from 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Mexico occurred in young individuals, was associated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock, and had a high case-fatality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]