Stroke, disability, and dementia: results of a population survey

The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, a highly sexually dimorphic brain region, has been called the bed nucleus for endogenous opioids. The potential contribution of opioids in this nucleus to modulate control of ventilation in male and female rats has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of microinjecting naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, into the arcuate nucleus of awake male and female rats on ventilation, oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood pressure. Results of this study demonstrate that naloxone at doses of 1.5 and 3.0 nmol relative to vehicle caused a depression of ventilation due to a decrease of both frequency of breathing and tidal volume in male rats and a decreased response to a hypercapnic challenge in female rats. Although there were gender differences noted in oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, and ventilatory response to a hypoxic challenge, only oxygen consumption was significantly affected by naloxone. Potential mechanisms whereby naloxone may act to depressing ventilation are discussed.     

Screening for colorectal cancer in Catalonia. Results of a population survey

This CT study was designed to assess brain morphology in agoraphobia. 21 patients and 21 normal control subjects matched in age and sex were investigated. Frontal and parietooccipital cortex, temporal cortex, lateral ventricles and third ventricle were evaluated by qualitative assessment on a 3-point scale (normal, questionable, abnormal). Patients showed significant bilateral enlargement of prefrontal cortical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces (p < .05). The rating "abnormal" was given to none (0%) of the normal controls, but to 6 (28.6%) of the patients in the left hemisphere, and to 4 patients (19%) in the right hemisphere, respectively. No qualitative differences were seen in the temporal cortex, lateral ventricles and third ventricle. These findings support the hypothesis that alterations in brain morphology are involved in the etiology of agoraphobia. The lack of a correlation between CSF enlargement and duration of illness suggests that prefrontal CSF enlargement is a neurobiological vulnerability marker in agoraphobia.     

Blood pressure survey in a population of newborn infants

Systolic blood pressure in the arm was measured in infants at the ages of 4 to 6 days and 5 to 7 weeks by the Doppler ultrasound technique. At the age of 4 to 6 days the mean blood pressure (+/- SE of mean) in 469 sleeping infants was 70-7 +/- 0-3 mm Hg, rising at 5 to 7 weeks to 89-7 +/- 0-9 mm Hg (in 144 infants). In 252 infants awake at 5 to 7 weeks blood pressure was 96-8 +/- 0-6 mm Hg. In 391 infants in whom measurements were made on both occasions blood pressure at 4 to 6 days was significantly related to blood pressure at 5 to 7 weeks. Thus those infants with relatively high blood pressures at 4 to 6 days showed a weak tendency to have relatively high blood pressures at 5 to 7 weeks. In this trend continues with age it would suggest that the tendency to develop hypertension may already be demonstrable at the age of 4 to 6 days.     

A survey of isozyme polymorphism in a Drosophila melanogaster natural population

A survey of biochemical polymorphism among glucose- and non-glucose-metabolizing enzymes was carried out on the June 1973 collection from the South Amherst, Mass. Drosophila melanogaster natural population. Polymorphic levels are among the highest recorded for this species; polymorphism among glucose-metabolizing enzymes did not differ significantly from that among non-glucose-metabolizing enzymes. Two loci, G6Pd on the X and Est-6 on the 3rd chromosome, displayed significant excesses of heterozygotes. Adh on the 2nd and Idh, Odh and Ao on the 3rd chromosome showed significant heterozygote deficiencies. Idh is ten map units to the left of Est-6, Odh twelve map units to the right and Ao is seven units beyond Odh. Temperatures in the two-week June period prior to collection were exceedingly variable. Daily high/low ranged between 76 degrees/40 degrees and 97 degrees/65 degrees F. These results support the findings of Frydenberg and Simonsen (1973) that in some populations glucose-metabolizing enzymes tend to be as polymorphic as non-glucose-metabolizing ones. They also add to the evidence obtained from other plant and animal populations that increased biochemical polymorphism is associated with more variable and/or colder climates. The increase may in part be due to increased polymorphism among glucose-metabolizing enzymes. Comparisons utilizing published data on other D. melanogaster populations and on D. robusta indicate a clinal increase in heterozygosity among glucose-metabolizing enzymes as one moves northward.     

Hoarding, compulsive buying and reasons for saving

Two studies examined hypotheses about compulsive hoarding, compulsive buying and beliefs about saving and discarding derived from the cognitive-behavioral model of compulsive hoarding [Frost, R. O. and Hartl, T. (1996). A cognitive behavioral model of compulsive hoarding. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34, 341-350.]. Study 1 examined the hypotheses in a college student population, while study 2 compared members of a support group for hoarding and clutter-related problems with a nonclinical control. Across studies the hypotheses were supported. Compulsive hoarding was associated with compulsive buying and the frequency of acquisition of possessions discarded by others, suggesting that compulsive acquisition may be a broader construct than compulsive buying among people with hoarding problems. Regarding its association with OCD symptoms, hoarding was most closely associated with the impaired mental control features of OCD. Finally, offa hoarding-related task, hoarding was associated with a greater frequency of reasons to save, but was not associated with fewer reasons to discard a target possession.     

Patterns of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence symptom progression in a general population survey

Age of onset reports obtained retrospectively for each symptom of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence (AD) are used to study patterns of lifetime symptom progression in a large general-population survey of people in the United States. It is shown that symptom progression among a substantial majority of respondents can be summarized as movement across three clusters. Cluster A is defined by symptoms of role impairment/hazardous use (A4), use despite social, psychological or physical problems (A6), and drinking larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended (A1). Cluster B is defined by tolerance (A7) and impaired control (A2, A3). Cluster C is defined by withdrawal (A8, A9) and giving up activities in order to drink (A5). Clusters are shown to follow a time sequence, with at least one symptom in Cluster A usually occurring first, followed by symptoms in Clusters B and C. In all, 83.4% of the symptom cluster transitions estimated from retrospective age of onset reports are consistent with this progression. Progression to AD is differentially predicted by symptom profiles reported at the age of first symptom onset, with persons reporting Cluster C symptoms most likely to progress subsequently to AD. Furthermore, profiles of AD defined by the highest symptom cluster present at AD onset are differentially predicted by prior personal and parental histories of psychopathology and, among men, are predictive of diagnosis persistence.     

Selection of restorative materials, reasons for replacement, and longevity of restorations in Florida

The purpose of the present study was to obtain information relating to the types of restorative materials used, the main reason for replacement of restorations, and the age of failed restorations. Dentists in general dental practice in Florida were invited to record details from their own work pertaining to restorations. The diagnostic criteria were described and coded. The clinicians were not calibrated in the use of the criteria but they could call in for further explanation if needed. The 27 clinicians involved placed 2,035 restorations of which 53% were replacements of failed restorations. The increased use of resin based restorative material was clearly evident including posterior composites. The clinical diagnosis secondary caries was the most common reason for replacement of amalgam (56%) and composite (59%) restorations. Only discoloration showed a statistically significant difference in the reason for replacement of the two types of materials. The median age of the replaced amalgam restoration was 15 years and that of composite restoration was 8 years.     

Prevalence, risk factors, and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus infection in the general population: a community-based survey in southern Italy

In 1996 the prevalence, risk factors, and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were assessed in the general population of a town in southern Italy. The sample was selected from the census by a systematic 1:4 sampling procedure. The participation rate was 96.6%. Among the 1,352 subjects enrolled, 195 (14.4%) tested reactive to antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) with enzyme immunoassay (EIA 3). When further tested with recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA 3), 170 subjects (87.2%) tested positive, 23 subjects (11.8%) had indeterminate results, and 2 subjects (1%) tested negative. Thus, the overall anti-HCV EIA-positive RIBA-confirmed prevalence was 12.6% (170 of 1,352 subjects) and increased from 1.3% in subjects younger than 30 years to 33.1% in those > or =60 years of age. This latter age group accounted for 72.3% of all anti-HCV-positive subjects. Females tested positive more frequently than males (14.1% vs. 10.5%; P < .05). Alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations were abnormal in only 4.1% (7/170) of anti-HCV EIA-positive RIBA-confirmed subjects. This suggests that ALT screening is not useful in the detection of anti-HCV-positive subjects in a general population. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that an age of less than 45 years, the use of glass syringes, and dental therapy were all independent predictors of anti-HCV positivity. HCV RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 75.9% of the 195 anti-HCV EIA-positive subjects: in 84.7% (144/170) of the RIBA-confirmed subjects; in 17.4% (4/23) tested as RIBA indeterminate; and in neither of the two subjects who tested RIBA negative. HCV type 1b was detected in 75 subjects (50.7%), type 2b in 1 subject (0.7%), type 2c in 66 subjects (44.6%), type 3a in 4 subjects (2.7%), and type 4 in two subjects (1.3%). These figures differ from those of Italian patients with chronic liver disease in whom genotype 2 is more rare. None of the individuals was infected with more than one genotype. The distribution of the two most common HCV viral types (1b and 2c) was not statistically different in terms of mean age, sex, or risk factors and suggests that they may have had a parallel spread in this community. These findings provide one of the highest overall anti-HCV prevalence rates in a general population with a likely cohort effect, i.e., decreased risk of infection along generations. These observations may indicate an epidemic or focus of hepatitis C that occurred several years earlier. The majority of anti-HCV-positive subjects in the oldest age group and with no clinical evidence suggests that HCV infection is a very prolonged and indolent disease.     

Financial stress, social support, and alcohol involvement: A longitudinal test of the buffering hypothesis in a general population survey.

This study examined whether specific facets of social support (tangible assistance, appraisal and belonging) moderate the relationship between a specific type of stress (financial stress) and alcohol involvement (drinking to cope, heavy drinking, and alcohol problems). Data were derived from a community sample stratified by education and race. Respondents (N?=?1,040) were interviewed in 1986 and 1989 and had drunk alcohol during the year preceding both interviews. Results supported the buffering influence of tangible support on the financial stress–alcohol involvement relationship. In contrast, neither appraisal nor belonging support consistently revealed a buffering pattern. These findings indicate the importance of taking into account specific components of social support when examining the relationship between specific sources of life stress and alcohol involvement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Studying the mental health of a nation: a preliminary report on a population survey in Singapore

OBJECTIVE: Requirements for cytokines and adhesion molecules for peritoneal neutrophil recruitment during glycogen-induced peritonitis in rats were systematically defined. SUBJECTS: Male Long Evans rats (275-300 g). METHODS: Four hours after intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg oyster glycogen, neutrophilic exudates were harvested. Effects of blocking reagents (injected intravenously) to rat E-, L- and P-selectins, beta1 (VLA-4) and beta2 integrins (LFA-1 and Mac-1), ICAM-1, and the cytokines TNFalpha, IL- and IL-8 were assessed. RESULTS: Administration of synthetic sialyl Lewis(x) oligosaccharide reduced neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneum by 26%. Antibody to E-selectin reduced neutrophil accumulation by 71%, while anti-L-selectin reduced neutrophil accumulation by 59%, and anti-P-selectin was without an effect. Similar patterns of inhibition were found when selectin-Ig chimeras were employed. Antibodies to LFA-1 (CD11a), Mac-1 (CD11b) or CD18 reduced neutrophil accumulation by 62 percent, 59 percent and 86%, respectively, while anti-VLA-4 was without effect. Anti-ICAM-1 reduced cell influx by 65%. IL-1 receptor antagonist and antibodies to IL-1 and human IL-8 reduced neutrophil accumulation by 43alpha, 40% and 62 percent, respectively. Unexpectedly, blockade of TNFalpha had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: These studies identify requirements for selectins, beta2 integrins, IL-1 and a rat chemokine(s) similar to human IL-8 for neutrophil recruitment during glycogen-induced peritonitis. The lack of participation of VLA-4, P-selectin and TNFalpha suggests organ-specific cytokine and adhesion molecule requirements for neutrophil recruitment.     

The prevalence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis in Oslo. Results from a county register and a population survey

The objective was (1) to examine the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by a county patient register, (2) to cross-validate the register findings by a postal population survey, and (3) to estimate prevalences of disease subsets according to age, sex, and levels of physical disability. The study was performed within a county setting in the city of Oslo with 356,486 inhabitants between 20 and 79 years of age. Prevalence estimates were calculated from a county patient register comprising 1333 patients with RA and a population survey of 10,000 inhabitants. The overall prevalence of RA between 20 and 79 years was 0.437 (95% CI 0.413, 0.461) after adjusting for the incompleteness of the register by a factor of 1.17. Prevalences exceeding 1.0% was only found among females over 60 years. The prevalence of RA with MHAQ scores > or = 1.5 and > or = 2.0 (range 1-4) was 0.225 (95% CI 0.209, 0.243) and 0.099 (0.088, 0.111) respectively. We conclude that RA is less frequent in the city of Oslo than stated in most of the literature. The prevalence of RA with physical disability levels assumed to be associated with increased mortality is less than half of the overall prevalence of 0.4-0.5%.     

Contraceptive behavior in the population of the Czech Republic: results of a national survey

Using an anonymous questionnaire the authors investigated in a representative group of the Czech population above 15 years of age (862 men and 857 women) the use of the main contraceptive methods. During the first intercourse more than half the respondents did not use any contraception, a condom was used only by 19% men and 14% women. In a steady partnership the most frequent method of contraception is coitus interruptus, whereby experience with hormonal contraception was reported by cca one third and with a condom by two thirds of respondents. Among younger men and women there are more users of hormonal contraception and condoms. Only 5% of the examined men and 4% of the women opposed any type of contraception, almost one quarter of respondents use only so-called "natural methods" and almost three quarters of the respondents consider them an essential part of sex life. The attitudes of atheists and junior and more educated women are more liberal.     

A brief survey of the current sexual practices of a population admitted for inpatient treatment of drug dependence

Restenosis remains the main limitation of interventional cardiology. Restenosis occurs when angioplasty-induced intimal hyperplasia as well as arterial remodelling result in flow-limiting renarrowing of the arterial lumen at the angioplasty site. Intimal hyperplasia is an important candidate for gene therapy since it is related to smooth muscle cell proliferation, which is an inviting target for molecular antiproliferative strategies. To date, adenoviral vectors are, by far, the most efficient vectors to perform in vivo arterial gene transfer. These vectors, as well as others, have been recently used to demonstrate that therapeutic genes encoding cytotoxic (herpes virus thymidine kinase) or cytostatic (hypophosphorylatable Rb, Gax, endothelial nitric oxide synthase) products successfully inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and related intimal hyperplasia. Despite substantial progress, major technical issues, including the toxicity of first-generation adenoviral vectors, inefficient transduction of atherosclerotic arteries, and the risk of extra-arterial transfection remain to be addressed before gene therapy is applied to clinical restenosis.     

Study of the reasons for a decrease in the inoculability of diphtheria bacteria

It was shown that the seeding efficacy of diphtheria bacilli depended not only on the state of the epidemic process, but also on the correct methodical approach to the examination. A combination of the qualitative and epidemiological choice of the groups of population for bacteriological examination with the use of blood tellurite media permitted to increase the efficacy of investigations, with a considerable reduction of the number of analyses.     

CPITN, DMFT, and treatment requirements in a Nicaraguan population

WHO basic methods were used to assess CPITN, DMFT, and treatment requirements in a population of 178 persons aged 12-64 yr living in urban and rural areas of Nicaragua. Two groups were examined: individuals presenting for dental treatment at health clinics (30%) and subjects chosen randomly at other locations (70%). Mean ages of both groups were similar although females were found in higher percentages among those presenting for dental care. With the exception of one young individual, all subjects had calculus in at least one sextant. About 26% of the subjects who presented for treatment had a > or = 6 millimeter pocket compared to about 14% of the remainder of subjects. The mean DMFT for health clinic subjects was 16.1 compared to 10.3 for subjects from other locations. Subjects presenting for treatment had twice as many missing teeth and a mean of 0.5 filled teeth compared to 2.4 filled teeth for other subjects. Subjects at the clinics were in greater need of restorative care and extractions, while subjects from other locations were found to have more teeth that did not require any treatment. Health clinic subjects reported more visits to the dentist in the last year than other subjects. Only 80% of those presenting for treatment owned a toothbrush compared to 97% of those examined in other locations, and the latter group reported brushing their teeth more frequently. Attrition was a commonly encountered tooth disorder with 53% of all subjects exhibiting this condition.     

Telephone administration of the SF-36 health survey: validation studies and population norms for adults in Queensland

The Rand Corporation medical outcomes short-form 36 health survey (SF-36) is a multidimensional measure of self-perceived general health status, which has been validated in adult populations in the United States and Great Britain, and, more recently, in an Australian population. The SF-36 is increasingly being used in health outcomes research internationally, mainly as a self-administered tool, and clearly has potential for use in Australia. This study aimed to assess the acceptability, reliability and validity of telephone administration of the instrument in the Queensland adult population, and to provide reliable population norms. We report the results of a telephone survey in which we interviewed 12,793 adults. It was the first large-scale, statewide application of the SF-36 in Australia. A response rate of 82 per cent was achieved, and the SF-36 satisfied psychometric criteria for reliability and construct validity. Population norms broken down by age and sex are provided. They will be important for the interpretation of future studies using the SF-36 in particular population or patient groups.     

Characteristics of highly physically active smokers in a population of young adult military recruits

A substantial number of cigarette smokers are thought to engage in regular exercise. It is unclear why individuals who engage in a health-promoting activity such as exercising would simultaneously engage in a health-damaging behavior like smoking. Two possibilities are that (1) exercise serves as a "harm reduction" strategy to lessen the negative effects of smoking, or (2) that among weight conscious individuals, exercise and smoking are both used as weight control strategies. To examine these issues, smoking status, physical activity level, weight concerns, and several additional health behaviors and attitudes were assessed by questionnaire in a population of United States Air Force recruits (n=32,144). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare characteristics of highly physically active smokers with both highly physically active never-smokers, and less active smokers. A substantial proportion of smokers reported being highly physically active (15.8%), although this proportion was significantly higher for never-smokers (22.7%). Active smokers were similar to active never-smokers across several health behaviors and attitudes, including diet, seatbelt use, and attitudes toward illegal drugs and condom use. Compared to less active smokers, active smokers consumed more fruits and vegetables, worried less about their weight, were less nicotine dependent, and had greater previous success at quitting smoking. These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of highly physically active young adults are regular cigarette smokers. Based on findings regarding general health behaviors and smoking history, this group may be particularly amenable to smoking cessation efforts.     

Factors related to utilization of services for mental health reasons in Montreal, Canada

This study examines factors related to the utilization of services for mental health reasons by Montreal residents. Data were drawn from telephone interviews. A random sample of 893 respondents completed a questionnaire on service utilization and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule Self Administered to assess DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders. Results indicate that 12.8% of the population had used such services in the past year. Medical doctors and psychiatrists, whose services are free of charge under universal health coverage, were consulted, respectively, by 4.1% and 2.0% of respondents. Psychologists, whose services are not free, were seen by 3.4% of respondents. In all, 42.0% of respondents who presented a current diagnosis used services in the past year. The highest proportion of users (48.0%) was found among respondents who presented both current and lifetime diagnoses and among respondents with comorbidity. The choice of caregiver was related also to pattern of disorders: respondents with current and comorbid disorders tended to consult general practitioners, while respondents with lifetime disorders or with lifetime and current disorders favoured specialized care. In line with other studies, self-perception of mental health, gender and marital status were related to utilization; unlike other studies, attitudes and age were not. It is argued that particularities found in this study stem not only from methodological considerations, but also from the configuration of the mental health system in Quebec, where the greater availability of psychologists may facilitate service utilization.