Healthy Inhabitants Research Articles

Heavy Metal Components in Blood and Urinary Stones of Urolithiasis Patients.

Lifestyle, food intake, and exposure to chemicals are potential risk factors for the development of calcium urolithiasis. Pb, Cd, and Hg have been proved to cause renal illness, and urinary tract stones might be caused by exposure to metals. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the concentration of metals in urinary tract stones and blood simultaneously in urolithiasis patients. Moreover, we intended to determine whether urinary tract stones can be regarded as a biomarker of exposure or an effect marker in a population with environmental exposure to metals. Thirty-five urolithiasis patients (case) and 34 healthy inhabitants (control) were recruited in this study. The contents of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, Zn, and Hg were determined in urinary stones and blood in the case and control groups. The most abundant metals were Zn and Cu in blood and Zn and Ni in urinary stones. Significantly higher levels of Zn, Ni, and As were found in calcium phosphate stones than in calcium oxalate or uric acid stones. The majority of metals were not present at consistent levels in both blood and urinary stones, except for Zn. Urinary stones might be explained as providing another metabolic pathway for metal contamination. Moreover, as the metals with the highest content in urinary stones were Ni and Zn, and Ni content was very much higher than in other countries, contamination by Ni should be further taken into consideration if there is any serious contamination in Taiwan.

Trace Element Contents in Thyroid Cancer Investigated by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Background: Thyroid cancer is an internationally important health problem. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the thyroid tissue levels of Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn exist in the malignantly transformed thyroid. Methods: Thyroid tissue levels of ten trace elements were prospectively evaluated in 41 patients with thyroid malignant tumors and 105 healthy inhabitants. Measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. Results: It was found that contents of Ag, Co, Cr, Hg, and Rb were significantly higher (approximately 12.8, 1.4, 1.6, 19.6, and 1.7 times, respectively) in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Conclusions: There are considerable changes in trace element contents in the malignantly transformed tissue of thyroid.

Trace Element Contents in Thyroid Cancer Investigated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescent Analysis

Background: Thyroid cancer is an internationally important health problem. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the thyroid tissue levels of Br, Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn exist in the malignantly transformed thyroid. Methods: Thyroid tissue levels of six trace elements (Br, Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn) were prospectively evaluated in 41 patients with thyroid malignant tumors and 105 healthy inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. Results: It was found that contents of Br, Cu, and Rb were significantly higher (approximately 10, 3.4, and 1.4 times, respectively) and content of Zn were slightly, but significantly, lower (25%) in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Conclusions: There are considerable changes in trace element contents in the malignantly transformed tissue of thyroid.

Biocultural Practices during the Transition to History at the Vat Komnou Cemetery, Angkor Borei, Cambodia

Mainland Southeast Asia underwent dramatic changes after the mid-first millennium b.c.e., as its populations embraced new metallurgical and agricultural technologies. Southeast Asians transformed their physical and social environments further through their participation in international maritime trade networks. Early state formation characterized much of the mainland by the mid-first millennium c.e. We examined a protohistoric (200 b.c.e.–200 c.e.) skeletal sample from the Vat Komnou cemetery at Angkor Borei in the Mekong Delta (southern Cambodia) to understand the health impacts of this changing environment. Degenerative joint disease patterns indicate a distinct sexual division of labor. Although intentional dental filing was practiced, its impact on oral-dental health could not be determined. Dental pathologies suggest a mixed diet with more fibrous foods and a lower reliance on soft, processed agricultural foods. A broad-spectrum diet and varied use of the local environment are inferred from the faunal evidence. Stable isotope ratios indicate a relatively greater reliance on fish and estuarine dietary resources than on terrestrial protein. Affinities with other groups in the region are suggested by the cultural practices of the relatively tall, healthy inhabitants from Vat Komnou.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) rs662 Polymorphism and Its Association with Serum Lipid Levels and Longevity in the Bama Zhuang Population.

BackgroundThe present study was performed to identify the association of PON1 rs662 polymorphism with serum lipid levels and human longevity in the Bama Zhuang population.Material/MethodsPON1 genotypes were determined by Taqman SNP Genotyping Assays in 110 long-lived inhabitants (longevity group, aged 90–110 years), 110 healthy inhabitants in Bama County (control 1 group, aged 43–82 years) and 110 healthy inhabitants in Nandan County (control 2 group, aged 28–82 years) without family history of longevity.ResultsBMI (body mass index) and TG (serum total triglyceride) level were lower in the longevity group than in the two control groups, while the contents of serum LDL-c (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL-c (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the levels of SBP (systolic blood pressure) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) in the longevity group were higher than in the two control groups (p<0.01). Significant differences in the frequencies of three genotypes (GG, AG, and AA) were observed between the longevity group and control 2 group (χ2=15.190, p=0.001). The minor allele frequency (MAF) of rs662 was significantly higher in the longevity group than in the two control groups. The levels of HDL-c in the longevity group were different among the three genotypes (p<0.05). The levels of TG for GG and GG+AG genotypes were significantly different, while the levels of TC (total cholesterol) and HDL-c for AG and GG+AG genotypes were significantly different among the three groups (p<0.05). Serum lipid parameters were correlated with several environmental factors, including age, gender, DBP, SBP, and BMI. The association of PON1 rs662 polymorphism and serum lipid levels was different among the three groups.ConclusionsPON1 polymorphism might be one of the genetic factors of longevity in the Bama Zhuang population. The PON1 rs662 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) was associated with serum HDL-c levels in the longevity group.

Urban Problems, the impact on future cities -A concept for Baghdad future sustainable development-

Urban problems affects both Developed and Third World, the problems include necessity for land, energy consumption and urban waste, these problems affect the environment and ecology system and decrease the quality of healthy inhabitants living and there is a lack in sustainable treatment for these problems, the research hypothesize that sustainable urban development can be achieved if urban planning consider an effective transport system and infra structure with the support of land use administrational tools, the research aims to define future sustainable urban development schemes with a future description for sustainable Baghdad urban future, the research defines urban problems and the available treatments to outline the meaning of sustainable urbanism.

Modifiable determinants of attitude towards dengue vaccination among healthy inhabitants of Aceh, Indonesia: Findings from a community-based survey.

To explore and understand the attitude towards dengue vaccination and its modifiable determinants among inhabitants of Aceh (northern Sumatra Island, Indonesia), the region that was most severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 535 healthy inhabitants in nine regencies (Kabupaten or Kotamadya) of Aceh that were selected randomly from November 2014 to March 2015. A set of validated, pre-tested, structured questionnaires was used to guide the interviews. The questionnaires covered a range of explanatory variables and one outcome variable (attitude to dengue vaccination). Multi-step logistic regression analysis and Spearman's rank correlation were used to test the role of explanatory variables for the outcome variable. More than 70% of the participants had a poor attitude towards dengue vaccination. Modifiable determinants associated with poor attitude to dengue vaccination were low education level, working as farmers and traditional market traders, low socioeconomic status and poor knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever (P<0.05). The KAP domain scores were correlated strongly with attitude to dengue vaccination, rs=0.25, rs=0.67 and rs=0.20, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis found that independent predictors associated with attitude towards dengue vaccination among study participants were only sex and attitude towards dengue fever (P<0.001). This study reveals that low KAP regarding dengue fever, low education level and low socioeconomic status are associated with a poor attitude towards dengue vaccination. Therefore, inhabitants of suburbs who are working as farmers or traditional market traders with low socioeconomic status are the most appropriate target group for a dengue vaccine introduction program.

The relationship between: occupational status, biological condition and androgen hormone level among Polish adult men: the Wroclaw Male Study

Population health and its determinants are one of the major challenges to social and economic policy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupational activity and biological condition in adult working Polish men. The participants of the study were 300 men (30–65 years), healthy inhabitants of the city of Wroclaw, Poland. Seventeen measures of biological condition were examined. The subjects were divided into three different occupational groups: professionals, soldiers and skilled workers. A comparison of biological age profiles of three occupational groups showed that in the majority of characteristics, professionals had the youngest biological age, whereas skilled workers had the highest biological age. The results for soldiers were not as unambiguous, but biological parameters were generally closer to those for professionals. Inborn biological predispositions and long-term impact of the working environment can influence on the biological condition of various professional groups. Knowledge of the determinants of biological condition might result in efficient use of predisposition to work or may be of help in extending their time of work ability.

О ТРАНСЛОКАЦИИ БАКТЕРИЙ У ПРАКТИЧЕСКИ ЗДОРОВЫХ ЛЮДЕЙ

At research of blood plasma by scanning electronic microscopy in group of 67 practically healthy inhabitants of Blagoveshchensk in 77.6% of cases asymptomatic bacteremia, i.e. translocation of elementary bodies of L-forms bacteria was found out and only in 22.4% of the citizens it was not visualized. The same changes were also revealed in 2 practically healthy gold miners working in difficult environment. Presumably, the translocation of elementary bodies of bacteria occurs owing to the moderate infringement of microbic landscape of thick intestines and insignificant dysfunction of intestines barriers, and it inherently proves poor health of respondents.

Population Polymorphism of IFNL3 and IFNL4 Genes of Type 3 Interferon Associated with Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus in Representatives of Caucasian and Mongoloid Races

The frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IFNL3 gene (rsl12979860 and rs8099917) and dinucleotide polymorphism of IFNL4 gene (ss469415590) were estimated in healthy inhabitants of Mongolia and Irkutsk regions taking into account their races. Population and genetic studies were performed in 1520 conventionally healthy volunteers (blood donors), representatives of Caucasian and Mongoloid races. Significant race-related differences in the incidence of IFNL3 and IFNL4 gene polymorphisms associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus were found in healthy volunteers.

An evolutionary approach to identify potentially protective B cell epitopes involved in naturally acquired immunity to malaria and the role of EBA-175 in protection amongst denizens of Bolifamba, Cameroon.

BackgroundThe search for a vaccine against malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum has lasted for more than 100 years, with considerable progress in the identification of a number of vaccine candidates. The post-genomic era offers new opportunities for an expedited search using rational vaccine design and prioritization of key B-cell epitopes involved in natural acquired immunity.MethodsMalaria vaccine candidate genes that have reached clinical trial were searched on an evolutionary relationship tree, to determine their level of lineage-specificity. Ten other genes with similar protein features and level of lineage specificity to the vaccine candidates were randomly selected, and computationally evaluated for the presence of B-cell epitopes. The protein fragment with maximum probability of putative epitopes were synthesized and used in an ELISA experiment to determine the presence of antibodies to these peptides, in the serum of malaria patients and healthy malaria uninfected inhabitants from a malaria endemic region (Bolifamba), alongside with a vaccine candidate EBA-175.ResultsTwo peptide fragments of 25 and 30 amino acid length from PF3D7_1233400 and PF3D7_1437500 respectively, coded as PF4-123 and PF4-143 were shown to contain B-cell epitope(s). Total IgG antibodies to these peptides were not significantly different between sick and healthy participants, but cytophilic antibodies to these peptides were significantly higher in healthy participants (p < 0.03). Total IgG to the vaccine candidate EBA-175 was significantly higher in sick participants than in healthy participants, likewise cytophilic antibodies (p < 0.04). Antibodies to the peptides PF4-123 and PF4-143 correlated negatively (p = 0.025 and 0.008 and r = −0.291 and −0.345, respectively) to parasite load. Total IgG antibodies to EBA-175 showed a negative correlation to parasite load (r = −0.144), which was not significant (p = 0.276). Duration of stay in Bolifamba also negatively correlated with parasite load (p = 0.026, r = −0.419) and total IgG to PF4-143 was significantly associated with prolonged duration of stay in the locality of Bolifamba, Cameroon (p = 0.006, r = 0.361).ConclusionsThe present study has identified two genes PF3D7_1233400 and PF3D7_1437500 containing peptide fragment (PF4-123 and PF4-143) with B-cell epitopes that are correlated with naturally acquired immunity to malaria. A pipeline has been developed for rapid identification of other B-cell epitopes involved in naturally acquired immunity.

Dengue vaccine acceptance and associated factors in Indonesia: A community-based cross-sectional survey in Aceh

BackgroundThe first dengue vaccine (DV) has been licensed in some countries, but an assessment of the public's acceptance of DV is widely lacking. This study aimed to explore and understand DV acceptance and its associated explanatory variables among healthy inhabitants of Aceh, Indonesia. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2014 to March 2015 in nine regencies of Aceh that were selected randomly. A set of validated questionnaires covering a range of explanatory variables and DV acceptance was used to conduct the interviews. A multi-step logistic regression analysis and Spearman's rank correlation were employed to assess the role of explanatory variables in DV acceptance. ResultsWe included 652 community members in the final analysis and found that 77.3% of them were willing to accept the DV. Gender, monthly income, socioeconomic status (SES), attitude toward dengue fever (DF) and attitude toward vaccination practice were associated with DV acceptance in bivariate analyses (P<0.05). A correlation analysis confirmed that attitude toward vaccination practice and attitude toward DF were strongly correlated with DV acceptance, rs=0.41 and rs=0.39, respectively (P<0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that a high monthly income, high SES, and a good attitude toward vaccination practice and toward DF were independent predictors of DV acceptance. ConclusionThe acceptance rate of the DV among inhabitants of Aceh, Indonesia was relatively high, and the strongest associated factors of higher support for the DV were a good attitude toward vaccination practices and a good attitude toward DF.

The high frequency of GJB2 gene mutation c.313_326del14 suggests its possible origin in ancestors of Lithuanian population.

BackgroundCongenital hearing loss (CHL) is diagnosed in 1 – 2 newborns in 1000, genetic factors contribute to two thirds of CHL cases in industrialised countries. Mutations of the GJB2 gene located in the DFNB1 locus (13q11-12) are a major cause of CHL worldwide.The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the contribution of the DFNB1 locus containing the GJB2 and GJB6 genes in the development of early onset hearing loss in the affected group of participants, to determine the population-specific mutational profile and DFNB1-related HL burden in Lithuanian population.MethodsClinical data were obtained from a collection of 158 affected participants (146 unrelated probands) with early onset non-syndromic HL. GJB2 and GJB6 gene sequencing and GJB6 gene deletion testing were performed. The data of GJB2 and GJB6 gene sequencing in 98 participants in group of self-reported healthy Lithuanian inhabitants were analysed.Statistic summary, homogeneity tests, and logistic regression analysis were used for the assessment of genotype-phenotype correlation.ResultsOur findings show 57.5 % of affected participants with two pathogenic GJB2 gene mutations identified. The most prevalent GJB2 mutations were c.35delG, p. (Gly12Valfs*2) (rs80338939) and c.313_326del14, p. (Lys105Glyfs*5) (rs111033253) with allele frequencies 64.7 % and 28.3 % respectively. GJB6 gene mutations were not identified in the affected group of participants. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences between GJB2(−) and GJB2(+) groups in disease severity (p = 0.001), and family history (p = 0.01). The probability of identification of GJB2 mutations in patients with various HL characteristics was estimated. The carrier rate of GJB2 gene mutations – 7.1 % (~1 in 14) was identified in the group of healthy participants and a high frequency of GJB2-related hearing loss was estimated in our population.DiscussionThe results show a very high proportion of GJB2-positive individuals in the research group affected with sensorineural HL. The allele frequency of c.35delG mutation (64.7 %) is consistent with many previously published studies in groups of affected individuals of Caucasian populations. The high frequency of the c.313_326del14 (28.3 % of pathogenic alleles) mutation in affected group of participants was an unexpected finding in our study suggesting not only a high frequency of carriers of this mutation in our population but also its possible origin in Lithuanian ancestors. The high frequency of carriers of the c.313_326del14 mutation in the entire Lithuanian population is supported by it being identified twice in the ethnic Lithuanian group of healthy participants (a frequency 2.0 % of carriers in the study group).ConclusionAnalysis of the allele frequency of GJB2 gene mutations revealed a high proportion of c. 313_326del14 (rs111033253) mutations in the GJB2-positive group suggesting its possible origin in Lithuanian forebears. The high frequency of carriers of GJB2 gene mutations in the group of healthy participants corresponds to the substantial frequency of GJB2-associated HL in Lithuania. The observations of the study indicate the significant contribution of GJB2 gene mutations to the pathogenesis of the disorder in the Lithuanian population and will contribute to introducing principles to predict the characteristics of the disease in patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0354-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Healthy Inhabitants in Northern Jakarta, Indonesia

Background:The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Indonesia has been reported to be exceedingly low. The purpose of our study was to confirm whether this is the case in Northern Jakarta using a sensitive 13C-urea breath test (UBT), and to examine any associations with lifestyle/environment factors and potential routes of transmission.Methods:We recruited a total of 196 subjects from a low-income community in Northern Jakarta, Indonesia, data from 193 who completed a questionnaire about their lifestyle/environment and had UBT being included as the final. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for sex and age with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a logistic regression model.Results:The overall H. pylori infection rate was 15.0% (95%CI, 10.3-20.9), with variation among Javanese (9.1%, total=77), Buginese (40.0%, 35), Betawi (9.1%, 33), Sundanese (3.7%, 27), and Batak (40.0%, 5). On multivariate analysis, the ORs for intake of soybean milk, cucumber more than once a week, infrequent hand washing practice before meals, and alcohol consumption were 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01-0.97), 6.61 (95%CI: 1.87-23.3), 4.10 (95% CI:1.15-14.6), and 61.9 (95% CI: 1.67-2300.8), respectively. Rates for Buginese (OR=7.84; 95%CI: 1.82-33.8) and Batak (OR=20.1; 95% CI: 1.90-213.2) were significantly higher than for Javanese.Conclusions:The H. pylori infection rate in this study was relatively low, in line with previous studies. Regarding ethnicity factors, Buginese and Batak reported eating food using fingers more frequently than Javanese, Betawi, and Sundanese. Our study indicated that person-person transmission is possible in this low prevalence area. The low infection rates for H. pylori among Javanese, Betawi, and Sundanese ethnics could be partly due to their sanitary practices.

The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Bura M, Michalak M, Padzik M, Gowin E, Celczyńska-Bajew L, Mozer-Lisewska I. The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review. 2016;18(3):221-224. doi:10.5114/fmpcr/63043. APA Bura, M., Michalak, M., Padzik, M., Gowin, E., Celczyńska-Bajew, L., & Mozer-Lisewska, I. (2016). The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 18(3), 221-224. https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr/63043 Chicago Bura, Maciej, Michał Michalak, Magdalena Padzik, Ewelina Gowin, Liliana Celczyńska-Bajew, and Iwona Mozer-Lisewska. 2016. "The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland". Family Medicine & Primary Care Review 18 (3): 221-224. doi:10.5114/fmpcr/63043. Harvard Bura, M., Michalak, M., Padzik, M., Gowin, E., Celczyńska-Bajew, L., and Mozer-Lisewska, I. (2016). The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 18(3), pp.221-224. https://doi.org/10.5114/fmpcr/63043 MLA Bura, Maciej et al. "The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland." Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, vol. 18, no. 3, 2016, pp. 221-224. doi:10.5114/fmpcr/63043. Vancouver Bura M, Michalak M, Padzik M, Gowin E, Celczyńska-Bajew L, Mozer-Lisewska I. The carriage of potentially pathogenic β-haemolytic streptococci (β-HS) in healthy adult inhabitants of Wielkopolska, Poland. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review. 2016;18(3):221-224. doi:10.5114/fmpcr/63043.

Trace Element Contents in Adenocarcinoma of Human Prostate Investigated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescent Analysis

Background: Adenocarcinoma of prostate is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the prostatic tissue levels of Zn, as an androgen dependent trace element and Br, Fe, Rb, and Sr, as androgen independent trace elements, exist in the malignantly transformed prostate. Methods and findings: Prostatic tissue levels of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn as well as ratio of Zn content to other trace element contents were prospectively evaluated in 35 patients with adenocarcinoma and 37 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109 Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. Mean values ± standard error of means (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction (mg/kg on dry mass basis) of trace element in the normal tissue was: Br 38.8 ± 5.6, Fe 118 ± 8, Rb 16.3 ± 1.1, Sr 2.5 ± 0.4, and Zn 1154 ± 119, respectively. M ± SEΜ for ratio of mass fractions were: Zn/Br 38.7 ± 6.4, Zn/Fe 11.2 ± 1.3, Zn/Rb 71.7 ± 9.0 and Zn/Sr 534 ± 83, respectively. The contents of Rb and Zn were significantly lower (approximately 2 and 8 times, respectively) and those of Br and Sr was significantly higher (2.7 and 2.2 times, respectively) in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Conclusions: There are great changes in trace element contents and their relationships in the malignantly transformed tissue of prostate.

Prevalence of Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Nasal Carriage MRSA Among Healthy Population of Border Villages in Amritsar Region, Punjab, India.

Sir, Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen of immense concern because of its intrinsic virulence and knack to cause varied array of life-ominous circumstances, while adaptability to dissimilar ecological conditions [1]. Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was firstly reported in 1960 from South-eastern England sanatoriums, whereas in 1982, community- acquired MRSA was reported from drug abusers and non-drug abusers in USA [2,3]. Extreme severity of drug-trafficking as well as social factors such as health and education also worsen Indo-Pak border (Radcliffe line) residents’ lives which usually remain unreported [4]. In light of these references current study aims to assess the multiple antibiotic resistant MRSA from the anterior nares of healthy inhabitants at border villages of Amritsar province. Multistage sampling procedures under surveillance of Gram Sarpanch (Village Head) (This is epidemiological study and according to ICMR ethical guidelines it would be necessary to have the consent of the community, which can be done through village leader) were made in prior sampling; excluding the anthology of subjects under prescription of any antibiotic intakes were used for sample compilation. There were total 9 blocks in the district and three blocks were in the border side, from the entire border county, two blocks were arbitrarily selected and the catalogues of two villages were framed out having the population of between 900-1100. Sampling was conducted on 10% of the population at each village, comprises of entire 400 nasal samples from the able-bodied subjects. Nasal swabs were collected from the anterior nares of both the nostrils with sterile cotton swab sticks (Hi-Media, Mumbai) pre dipped in 10% NaCl solution. The primary cultures were inoculated and incubated overnight at 37°C ((Mannitol salt agar (Hi-Media, Mumbai)). From each plate a Gram positive cocci bunches were identified by Gram staining and thereafter biochemical trials such as mannitol broth fermentation, trehalose sugar fermentation, tube coagulase, DNase, beta haemolysis on sheep blood agar (Hi-Media, Mumbai) were executed. An entirety 24 (6%) nasal carriage S.aureus was isolated in this study. Demographic characteristics and drug resistance were compared with the employ of Chi-square and Fisher’s-exact test (two-tailed) using GraphPad Prism (version 5). The p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically momentous. The nasal carriage S.aureus was 13 (54.17%) in males and 11 (45.83%) in females. Nasal carriage S.aureus was recorded in the unlike age factions as followed: 8 (33.33%), 7 (29.17%), 6 (25%), 3 (12.50%) in 25-31 years, 18-24 years, 32-38 years and 39-45 years, respectively. No consequential differences resulted between male and female at any age groups (p> 0.05). All the isolates were tested and incubated (at 37°C) against 9 dissimilar antibiotics discs (Hi-Media, Mumbai) viz. penicillin (10units), oxcacillin (1μg), cefoxitin (30μg), gentamicin (10μg), amikacin (30μg), erythromycin (15μg), tetracycline (30μg), ciprofloxacin (5μg), and clindamycin (2μg). Results were interpreted according to CLSI [5]. S.aureus resistant to oxacillin, cefoxitin and oxacillin screening agar (Hi-Media, Mumbai), incubated at 35°C were considered as MRSA, according to CLSI guidelines [5]. ATCC 25923 S.aureus was used as reference strain. The prevalence of nasal carriage MRSA is 4.5% (18/400) which is almost double in comparison to the previous study done on Kashmiri village’s population 1.83% (15/820) by Fomda and group [6]. Out of 18 MRSA isolates, 10 (55.56%) are detected in males and 8 (44.44%) in females, that is approximately in agreement with study conducted by Fomda et al., [6]. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern also demonstrates that the resistant rate to both erythromycin (4.1%) and clindamycin (4.1%) among our community- acquired MRSA is low and contradict with previous study reporting higher resistance rate to both erythromycin (26.7%) and clindamycin (33.3%) [6]. Resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin is greater and highly significant for MRSA when compared to MSSA [Table/Fig-1] that might be as a result of their uncontrolled usage in the community. Our results are indicating dire need to improve personal sanitation in the borders areas and scrutiny at various echelons in different regions to tackle higher level community snags. [Table/Fig-1]: Antibiotic susceptibility of S. aureus isolates (n=24).

Dengue virus infection-enhancing antibody activities against Indonesian strains in inhabitants of central Thailand

Dengue virus (DENV) infection-enhancing antibodies are a hypothetic factor to increase the dengue disease severity. In this study, we investigated the enhancing antibodies against Indonesian strains of DENV-1–4 in 50 healthy inhabitants of central Thailand (Bangkok and Uthai Thani). Indonesia and Thailand have seen the highest dengue incidence in Southeast Asia. The infection history of each subject was estimated by comparing his/her neutralizing antibody titers against prototype DENV-1–4 strains. To resolve the difficulty in obtaining foreign live viruses for use as assay antigens, we used a recombinant system to prepare single-round infectious dengue viral particles based on viral sequence information. Irrespective of the previously infecting serotype(s), most serum samples showed significantly higher enhancement titers against Indonesian DENV-2 strains than against Thai DENV-2 strains, whereas the opposite effect was observed for the DENV-3 strains. Equivalent enhancing activities were observed against both DENV-1 and DENV-4. These results suggest that the genotype has an impact on enhancing antibody activities against DENV-2 and DENV-3, because the predominant circulating genotypes of each serotype differ between Indonesia and Thailand.

Requirement for vitamin D supplementation in patients using photoprotection: variations in vitamin D levels and bone formation markers.

Avoiding sun exposure is obligatory in photodermatoses; however, the need for oral supplementation with vitamin D appears unrecognized. The aim of the study was to investigate the seasonal variation of vitamin D level and bone formation markers in healthy individuals and to compare it with vitamin D status in patients using photoprotection. Thirty-four healthy inhabitants of the Lodz region, Poland, a country in central Europe (51° and 52° north latitudes), were examined at the baseline visit within 2 weeks of peak sun exposure during recreational activity on vacation, after 8, and after 16 weeks. The group of patients using photoprotection comprised 104 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and osteocalcin levels were measured. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was lower and vitamin D deficiency more common in patients using photoprotection than in healthy individuals during the warm and the cold season (P < 0.05). In healthy individuals, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent after 8 and 16 weeks than at baseline assessment (P < 0.001). PINP level was 39.56 (30.51-53.22) ng/ml, and elevated in 50% of individuals, whereas osteocalcin was 18.88 (13.52-21.33) ng/ml, and within reference range. Diagnoses of vitamin D deficiency and oral supplementation in patients using photoprotection need to be included in practice. Peak 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are probably achieved from vitamin D skin synthesis during the summertime and fall over time, starting from August. Elevated levels of PINP appear in line with the process of bone remodeling related to age.

The quality of semen among a sample of young, healthy men from Lower Silesia (AndroLS).

Contrary to other parts of the continent, little information is available regarding semen quality among subjects from central and eastern Europe. We evaluated semen profiles among a sample of men from an industrialised region of Poland. We directly invited 5000 healthy inhabitants of the region (aged 18-35 years; with unchecked fecundity) to participate in the study. Among the 500 who were eligible and willing to participate, we acquired detailed information and semen and blood samples from 177 subjects. Semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count were, respectively, (mean ± SD): 3.1 ± 1.5 ml, 60 ± 44 x 106/ml and 170 ± 137 x 106/ml. Percentage of normal forms was 14.7 ± 6.5%. Due to the relatively low sperm motility (mean ± SD: 54 ± 16%) and vitality (mean ± SD: 60 ± 15%) values, these variables require special attention during routine evaluations. The WHO 2010 criteria for these two parameters were met in only 60% and 66% of the samples, respectively. Further studies on men with different educational levels, social environments, or living conditions are needed to confirm our results.