bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking and health of the heart
Authors: Leone Aurelio 
Published: September 2007

A large series of studies relate cigarette smoking to the development of cardio vascular damage. Both active and passive smoking seem to act negatively on the heart, although with different results. Active smoking impairs the cardiovascular system chroni cally causing mainly coronary atherosclerosis, whereas passive smoking impairs cardiac per formance transiently after acute exposure, and to a greater extent in those with established ischaemic heart disease. Evidence indicates that the heart is a target organ for cigarette smoking (Leone, 1992). Diseases of the heart and blood vessels account for over one-third of all the excess deaths in smokers (follow-up report of the Royal College of Physicians, 1983). The purpose of this report is to demonstrate some of the links between cardiovascular damage and smoking by reviewing our previous findings based on an Italian population.
Towards malaria control in Nigeria
Authors: Wagbatsoma V.A. , Ogbeide O. 
Published: September 2007

Malaria is still highly prevalent in many tropical countries and this disease can only survive in areas where mosquitoes and infected human populations are high. Relevant information on the species of mosquitoes, their habitats and their population are important in planning preventative strategies in the control of malaria, hence this study. Mosquito species and their habitats were investigated in both high and low density areas of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The results showed that Culex pipiens fatigans, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles gambiae and Culex trigripes were the commonest mosquitoes found in Benin City. Among the habitats studied, containers and gutters had the highest population of mosquitoes. The serious public health implications of these various species of mosquitoes is the possi bility of outbreaks of infectious diseases like yellow fever, dengue, which some of these mosquitoes are known to transmit. Malaria, though endemic, is also important because of its associated high morbidity and mortality rates. This study provides some useful information on the habitats and species of mosquitoes found in Benin City. Follow-up studies are being carried out by the authors on quantitative studies on the population of these species of mosquitoes, the dissolved elements present in the different habitats that could promote or inhibit the breeding of mosquitoes, and KAP surveys on mosquitoes and malaria among the Benin populace. It is hoped that such comprehensive data would be very useful in planning effective preventative strategies in the control of malaria in Benin City.
Doctors at risk of hepatitis B and HIV infection from patients in Nigeria
Authors: Olubuyide I.O. 
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the degree of residents' concern about acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from their patients at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. We surveyed 149 resident doctors. The response was 89%. Nine per cent of the resident doctors reported percutaneous exposures to needles contaminated with blood of patients infected with HBV or HIV. Eighty per cent of the residents experienced moderate to major concern about contracting these viral infections from their patients. The majority of the doctors (54-64%) indicated that they should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to treat the infected patients. A substantial proportion of them (46-49% ) believed that refusing to take care of the patient was not unethical. About 86-96% of the doctors believed that the hospital as well as the Residency Training Programme administrators were not concerned about the risk of acquiring the viruses from their patients. In general, the results demonstrate a major degree of concern about acquiring HBV and HIV infections among resident doctors. Moreover, there is a need for the hospital and Residency Training Programme administrators to formally address these concerns so as to motivate well and reassure these doctors. No such study exists that exclusively address this important and topical subject in doctors in tropical Africa.
Generalised obesity and regional adiposity in adult White and migrant Muslim males from Pakistan in Peterborough
Authors: Bose K. 
Published: September 2007

A comparative study was made of generalised obesity (body mass index; BMI) and the regional distribution of adiposity (measured as circumferences and circumference ratios) in adult White and migrant Muslim males from Pakistan in Peterborough. No significant difference in the prevalence of obesity as measured by the BMI was observed between Whites and Pakistani migrants. Although the mean BMI values were similar in both groups, they had distinctly different body fat patterning. Whites had significantly more upper body, central body and lower body adiposity compared with Pakistani migrants. They also had significantly more total fat as well as upper body:lower body, upper body:central body, and upper body:total fat indices. Within the central body, Whites had significantly more adiposity in the waist region relative to abdomen region (Waist:Abdomen ratio). However, Pakistani migrants had significantly more abdominal adiposity relative to total adiposity (Abdomen:Sum of All Circumferences ratio) than Whites. These preliminary results clearly indicate that there is a tendency for accumulation of adiposity in the abdominal region in Asian men of Pakistani origin compared with White men irrespective of the level of generalised adiposity. The health implications of body fat patterning on non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and coronary heart dis ease (CHD) are well-known. The pattern of fat distribution observed in migrant Pakistani males in this study may exist in other migrant groups originating from the Indian sub-continent and could be one of the risk factors predisposing migrant Asians (persons originating from the Indian sub-continent) in Britain to develop NIDDM and CHD irrespective of their generalised (BMI) obesity. Future epidemiological studies should lay more emphasis on morphological fat patterning instead of BMI in Asian migrants in Britain.
Occupational health status of sawmill workers in Nigeria
Authors: Fatusi A. , Erhabor G. 
Published: September 2007

The health impact of exposure to sawdusts on 59 sawmill workers from south- west Nigeria was studied. Workers were chosen by a two-stage random sampling method from 15 privately owned sawmills. Peak flow and spirometric measurements were obtained from all workers. They also underwent a structured questionnaire which elicited occupationally related symptoms. Age and sex matched controls consisting of 199 workers from similar socio-economic backgrounds as the subjects underwent similar questionnaire and lung function tests. Results showed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, principally cough, chest pain and sputum production, among the workers. Most of the workers also had high prevalence of conjunctivitis, skin irritation and hearing difficulties when compared with controls. Pulmonary function parameters were also significantly lower (p < 0.05 in sawmill workers than controls). Although a large number (94.9% ) of the workers were aware of the potential hazards of exposure to sawdusts, less than 20% wore protective masks. Our study highlights the need for health and safety regulation in the workplace. There is also a need for improved methods of dust control in factories with high levels of dust particulates, particularly in the developing world.
Studies of risks associated with technological development in Nigeria
Authors: Ezenwa Afamdi O 
Published: September 2007

This paper attempts to assess the magnitude of the risks associated with industrial and transportation technologies in Nigeria using data from various governmental agencies and private organisations. The minimum annual averages of injured persons and data from accidents associated with technological risks in Nigeria were as follows: factories - 402.4 injured persons and 5.8 deaths; petroleum industry - 106.5 injured and 45.3 deaths; road traffic accidents - 25,262 injured persons and 9,117 deaths; and railways 170.5 injured persons and 43.2 deaths. Of the eleven plane crashes reported between 1978 and 1991 the nine crashes for which information was disclosed claimed 352 lives. The highest technological risk is from road traffic accidents. The annual average death from road traffic accidents (9,117) was 1.05 times the annual average death (8,662) from communicable diseases and 1.2 times the number of deaths (7,711) from cholera epidemics in 1991. Between 1988 and 1991 there were 855 reported cases of occupational diseases with an annual average of 214 cases. Conjunctivitis, dermatitis, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma accounted for 91% of the 855 reported cases. The observations reflect the techno logical risk situation in Nigeria, and the need for improvements in both reducing risks and increasing the recording of risk statistics.
Infant mortality in the rural Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Nahedh Nora 
Published: September 2007

A prospective study of a cohort of infants born in 1987 was carried out until they were one year old. Five villages were selected at random. All the babies born in 1987 in these villages were identified by a group of trained nurses. These nurses collected morbidity and mortality data on these children each time the events occurred using a structured data collection form. Data were analysed using relevant demographic and statistical techniques. A total of 4,963 babies was born during the period of study. The neonatal mortality rate was 21.4 per 1,000 live births and the infant mortality rate was 53.8 per 1,000. The post neonatal death rate was 32.5 per 1,000 live births. The causes of infant deaths as presumed from reported signs of last illness were gastroenteritis, respiratory problems, preterm birth complications and congenital abnormalities. It was concluded that there is a decline in the infant mortality rate compared with previous estimated rates, but the high levels of neonatal death rates call for improved ante natal and obstetric health services. The high postneonatal death rate indicates the potential for a further reduction.
Discussion of the controversies associated with prostate cancer screening
Authors: Wolfe E.S. , Wolfe W.W. 
Published: September 2007

Early detection of prostate cancer through screening seems to provide the best hope of control or possibly cure of the disease. Unfortunately, controversy and confusion surround the screening guidelines. Specifically, the controversy involves whether the screening of asymptomatic men, particularly those under age 50, should be recommended. To date, there have been no randomised clinical trials which have demonstrated that screening for prostate cancer reduces mortality or increases life expectancy. The lack of evidence regarding the benefits of prostate screening and the risk of adverse effects make it important for clinicians to provide information to interested patients regarding the possible consequences before they take part in screening endeavours. Other health care professionals must be proactive in becoming informed about the entire prostate screening issue.
Essential oils and 'aromatherapy': their modern role in healing
Authors: Lis-Balchin M. 
Published: September 2007

'Aromatherapy' is one of the most actively growing forms of alternative medicine combining massage together with counselling and a nice odour. Most clients suffer from some kind of stress-related disorder and aromatherapy encourages the healing process largely through relaxation and the relief of stress. Stress is also a major problem in hospitals, hospices and homes for the aged and physically or mentally-challenged. Aromatherapy is welcomed by nurses who want to be closer to their patient and doctors who can refer patients with stress-related disorders who do not respond to conventional medicines. The actual mode of action of essential oils in vivo is still far from known, although there is strong in vitro evidence that essential oils can act as an antimicrobial or antioxidant agent or have a pharmacological effect on various tissues. Studies have shown that essential oils have an effect on brainwaves and can also alter behaviour. It is possible that most of the effect of the oils is probably transmitted through the brain via the olfactory system. Used professionally and safely, aromatherapy can be of great benefit as an adjunct to conventional medicine or used simply as an alternative.
The influence of smoking habits on thyroid gland volume: an ultrasonic approach
Authors: Georgiadis E. , Papapostolou C. , Korakis T. , Evagelopoulou K. , Mantzoros C. , Batrinos M. 
Published: September 2007

The effects of smoking habits on thyroid function, echo-texture (nodules and/or cysts) and thyroid gland volume were determined by using ultrasound and measuring serum Thyroxin (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyrotropin (TSH) and TPO antibodies (ab-TPO) in 189 healthy smokers and non-smokers, randomly selected (111 females and 78 males) among the employees of our hospital and their relatives. When the entire group of subjects was considered the mean ratio of thyroid gland volume/body weight was found to be significantly higher in male (P<0.05) and female (P<0.05) smokers compared with non- smokers. In female smokers, mean serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was lower (P<0.05) and the degree of smoking was positively correlated with the ratio of thyroid gland volume/body weight (P<0.05). However, when the subjects with a family history of goitre in first degree relatives were excluded from our study (14 females and 9 males), no significant differences in mean ratio of thyroid volume/weight or TSH between the remaining smokers and non-smokers were detected. In both sexes, the correlation between the degree of smoking and thyroid volume, although positive, did not reach statistical significance. No difference in prevalence of abnormal echogenicity and echo-texture (nodules and cysts) between smokers and non-smokers was detected. It is concluded that smoking habits present a goitrogenic effect only in subjects with a family history of goitre but have no influence on thyroid gland texture.
Secondary prevention of stroke — an update
Authors: Forbes C.D. 
Published: September 2007

Stroke disease remains a national priority due to the high morbidity and mortality. Good clinical practice dictates that risk factors are identified and corrected. Various therapeutic regimens have been tested in trials of sufficient strength to give answers. In the second European Stroke Prevention Study (ESPSZ), low dose aspirin (50 mg/d), sustained release dipyridamole (200 mg/d) were shown to reduce recurrence of stroke and TIA. The combination was twice as effective. Also in the Clopidogrel/aspirin Prevention of Recurrence of Ischaemic Events (CAPRIE) trial clopidogrel was shown to be superior to aspirin. In clinical practice patients with stroke or TIA should be investigated rapidly, their risk factors corrected and appropriate drug regimens implemented.
Nigerian university students' knowledge, perceptions, and behaviours about HIV/AIDS: are these students at risk?
Authors: Harding A.K. , Anadu E.C. , Gray L.A. , Champeau D.A. 
Published: September 2007

The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge level of undergraduate students of a Nigerian university about HIV/AIDS, their perception of risk of contracting HIV/AIDS based on their sexual behaviour, and to assess how students acquire information about HIV/AIDS. The sample consisted of 380 students from five faculties of the university who volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed a survey asking about their knowledge about transmission, symptomatology and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The survey included questions about their sexual orientation, past and present sexual practices as well as sources of information about HN/AIDS. The results indicated that the students were knowledgeable about transmission and symptomatology but there were some misconceptions about the mode of transmission of HIV Few students identified themselves to be at high risk even though majority of them (92%) were sexually experienced. The study also showed that even though these students are knowledgeable and concerned about contracting HIV/AIDS from their partners, this did not prevent them from engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. It appears, however, that students are exercising caution when negotiating new sexual relationships, as they are likely to discuss (and insist on) using condoms, and ask to have a monogamous relationship. Students obtained information about HIV/AIDS primarily from the media rather than from school classrooms and homes, which suggests a need to increase educational efforts at the university. Many students of this university may be at risk of becoming HIV infected due to their age bracket, level of sexual activity and past/present sexual behaviors. University faculty can be actively involved in developing and implementing HIV/AIDS education and prevention strategies on their campuses. Health educators must go beyond providing accurate and gender-specific information about HIV/AIDS; they must also help students realistically assess their own risk of infection, and develop communication processes which enable them to negotiate safer sexual practices.
Self-reported smoking habits, biochemical markers, and nicotine dependence in a sample of the Danish population
Authors: Seersholm Niels , Nielsen Niels Henrik , Tønnesen Philip 
Published: September 2007

This study reports the smoking habits in a Danish population, evaluates plasma cotinine and thiocyanate levels in the detection of 'slips' (subjects participating in smoking cessation trials who begin to smoke a few cigarettes per week) and provides distribution scores on questionnaire measures of nicotine dependence. A total of 599 subjects with a mean age of 41 years participated in the study. Of these 46% were current smokers with no difference in the proportion of males(46%) and females(45%) and with a mean cigarette consumption of 12.7 daily. Plasma samples were analyzed for cotinine and thiocyanate, and the smokers completed two questionnaires to measure nicotine dependence: the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire and the modified Horn-Russell scale. The mean plasma cotinine was 207 micrograms/l for smokers, 14.4 micrograms/l for occasional smokers and 8.0 micrograms/l for non-smokers (ex-smokers and never-smokers). For plasma thiocyanate the levels were 130 mg/l, 54.8 mg/l, and 54.3 mg/l, respectively. The mean Horn-Russell score was 7.4 and the mean Fagerström score was 5.9. The two tests correlated with a r- value of 0.61 (p<0.001) and the scores in both tests increased with increasing cigarette consumption. In conclusion, 75% of the smokers consumed 10 or more cigarettes per day and males smoked more cigarettes than females. It was impossible to distinguish occasional smokers (slips) from non-smokers using plasma cotinine or thiocyanate levels. We suggest that studies are needed to evaluate if light smokers benefit from nicotine replacement therapy because they achieve plasma cotinine levels which are similar to those seen when using patches for nicotine replacement therapy.
Work-related stress among nurses: a challenge for health care institutions
Authors: Pikó B. 
Published: September 2007

The issue of occupation stress amongst care professionals is currently a major concern in health policy. The main goal of the present study has been to investigate the relationship between levels of stress among nurses, and some of the psychosocial and organisational characteristics of their job. The participants of the cross-sectional survey were female nurses (n=218) chosen at random from public hospitals in Csongrad County, Hungary. A self- administered questionnaire was the method used for data collection: this questionnaire contained various items on psychosomatic symptoms, self-perceived health, sociodemographic data, job satisfaction, health risk behaviours, drug consumption, emotional load and social support from peers. The findings suggest that the frequency of common psychosomatic symptoms (e.g. sleeping problems, tension headache, chronic fatigue or palpitations), regular alcohol drinking, heavy smoking, and frequent use of tranquilisers and sleeping pills can be read as an indicator of nurses' work-related stress level. Nurses with only primary education had the highest such levels, while those with baccalaureate-level education had the lowest. Furthermore, nurses aged 51-60 years and those on rotating night shift proved to be vulnerable to stress the most frequently. However, no significant differences were found between nurses working in- theatre and those non-theatre; nor was job satisfaction found to have a significant impact on the levels of stress experienced. The results suggest that supportive relationships with peers may reduce the occurrence of high stress levels among nurses, leading the author to conclude that social support and the psychosocial work climate should be improved in health care institutions.
Predicting state transitions in the transcriptome and metabolome using a linear dynamical system model
Authors: Morioka Ryoko , Kanaya Shigehiko , Hirai Masami Y , Yano Mitsuru , Ogasawara Naotake , Saito Kazuki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundModelling of time series data should not be an approximation of input data profiles, but rather be able to detect and evaluate dynamical changes in the time series data. Objective criteria that can be used to evaluate dynamical changes in data are therefore important to filter experimental noise and to enable extraction of unexpected, biologically important information.ResultsHere we demonstrate the effectiveness of a Markov model, named the Linear Dynamical System, to simulate the dynamics of a transcript or metabolite time series, and propose a probabilistic index that enables detection of time-sensitive changes. This method was applied to time series datasets fromBacillus subtilisandArabidopsis thalianagrown under stress conditions; in the former, only gene expression was studied, whereas in the latter, both gene expression and metabolite accumulation. Our method not only identified well-known changes in gene expression and metabolite accumulation, but also detected novel changes that are likely to be responsible for each stress response condition.ConclusionThis general approach can be applied to any time-series data profile from which one wishes to identify elements responsible for state transitions, such as rapid environmental adaptation by an organism.
Identification of novel stem cell markers using gap analysis of gene expression data
Authors: Krzyzanowski Paul M , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe describe a method for detecting marker genes in large heterogeneous collections of gene expression data. Markers are identified and characterized by the existence of demarcations in their expression values across the whole dataset, which suggest the presence of groupings of samples. We apply this method to DNA microarray data generated from 83 mouse stem cell related samples and describe 426 selected markers associated with differentiation to establish principles of stem cell evolution.