PKOa7Wrefs.MYD,|?tAbucejo-Ladesma, E. Simoes, E. A. F. Lupisan, S. P. Sombrero, L. T. Quiambao, B. P. Gozum, L. S. Herva, E. Ruutu, P.2007Serious community-acquired paediatric infections in rural Asia (Bohol Island, Philippines): Bacterial meningitis in children less than 5 years of age983-989+Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases3911-12ArticleThis paper describes the clinical profile and aetiology of bacterial meningitis in infants and children less than 5 y old admitted to a rural general hospital in the Philippines. A total of 989 infants and children 0-59 months old with suspected meningitis using a standardized guideline based on clinical signs and symptoms were prospectively enrolled from April 1994 to May 2000. Blood and CSF were drawn on admission for culture, antigen testing and cell count. All had blood cultures and 623 (63%) had CSF samples. Bacterial aetiology was found in 54 (5%). The most common bacterial pathogens were H. influenzae type b (Hib) (20, 37%) and S. pneumoniae (Pnc) (10, 18%). All of the Hib infections and 8 (80%) Pnc infections were in infants less than 1 y old. 12 (22%) of the subjects with bacterial meningitis died. All strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were sensitive to chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole and ampicillin. In conclusion, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b are the most common aetiological agents of bacterial meningitis in a rural area in the Philippines, and occur especially in infants less than 1 y old. Aetiological agents were susceptible to the currently recommended antimicrobial agents.://000251026700007Abucejo-Ladesma, Erma Simoes, Eric A. F. Lupisan, Socorro P. Sombrero, Lydia T. Quiambao, Beatriz P. Gozum, Lorena S. Herva, Elja Ruutu, Petri 0036-5548ISI:00025|?\Kerttula, A. M. Lyytikainen, O. Virolainen, A. Finne-Soveri, H. Agthe, N. Vuopio-Varkila, J.2007_Staphylococcus aureus colonization among nursing home residents in a large Finnish nursing home996-1001+Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases3911-12ArticleWe studied colonization with methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA) in the second largest nursing home in Finland, in which the residents volunteered had their nostrils, throats, perineums, skin lesions, and catheter exit sites swabbed, and catheter urines cultured. The specimens were cultured onto non-selective and selective agar, with or without enrichment in salt-containing trypticase soy broth (TSB). S. aureus was identified by routine methods, methicillin resistance was detected by oxacillin and cefoxitin disk diffusion and MIC E-tests, and GenoType MRSA (R) -test was used for mecA gene confirmation. A total of 663 cultures were obtained from 213 residents. Of those, 165 specimens (25%) from 94 residents (44%) were positive for S. aureus, and 3 specimens (0.4%) from 2 (0.9%) residents were positive for MRSA. Of the 165 S. aureus isolates, 31 (19%) from 25 (27%) residents were found only from sites other than nostrils (30 MSSA and 1 MRSA). TSB enrichment detected additional 33 (5%) S. aureus isolates (32 MSSA and 1 MRSA), resulting in 8 (5%) additional residents. None of the MRSA strains would have been found if only nostrils and throat had been screened, and no enrichment broth had been used.://000251026700009qKerttula, Anne-Marie Lyytikaeinen, Outi Virolainen, Anni Finne-Soveri, Harriet Agthe, Niina Vuopio-Varkila, Jaana 0036-5548ISI:00025|?Hallikas, O. Taipale, J.2006bHigh-throughput assay for determining specificity and affinity of protein-DNA binding interactions215-222Nature Protocols11ArticleLimited information exists for the binding specificities of many important transcription factors. To address this, we have previously developed a microwell- based assay for directly measuring the affinity of DNA- protein binding interactions. We describe here the detailed protocol for determining sequence specificities of DNA- binding proteins using this assay. The described method is rapid; after preparation of the reagents, the assay can be run in a single day, and its throughput can be increased further by automation. The method is quantitative but requires prior knowledge of one high- affinity binding site for the protein of interest. The protocol can be adapted for determining the effect of protein modifications and protein- protein interactions on DNA- binding specificity, and for engineering proteins with new DNA- binding specificities. In addition, the method is suitable for high- throughput screening to identify proteins or small molecules that modulate protein- DNA binding interactions.://000251002200032Hallikas, Outi Taipale, Jussi 1745-2473ISI:000251002200032|?!Palin, K. Taipale, J. Ukkonen, E.2006SLocating potential enhancer elements by comparative genomics using the EEL software368-374Nature Protocols11ArticleThis protocol describes the use of Enhancer Element Locator ( EEL), a computer program that was designed to locate distal enhancer elements in long mammalian sequences. EEL will predict the location and structure of conserved enhancers after being provided with two orthologous DNA sequences and binding specificity matrices for the transcription factors ( TFs) that are expected to contribute to the function of the enhancers to be identified. The freely available EEL software can analyze two 1-Mb sequences with 100 TF motifs in about 15 min on a modern Windows, Linux or Mac computer. The output provides several hypotheses about enhancer location and structure for further evaluation by an expert on enhancer function.://000251002200055)Palin, Kimmo Taipale, Jussi Ukkonen, Esko 1745-2473ISI:000251002200055|?uHolmen, C. Elsheikh, E. Christensson, M. Liu, J. Johansson, A. S. Qureshi, A. R. Jalkanen, S. Sumitran-Holgersson, S.2007iAnti-endothelial cell autoantibodies selectively activate SAPK/JNK signalling in Wegener's granulomatosis 2497-2508-Journal of the American Society of Nephrology189ArticleSepwThe pathogenic role of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) in vascular injury is debated. It was previously shown that many patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) have AECA that react with human kidney microvascular endothelial cells (EC). In addition, during active disease, renal endothelium strongly expresses the inflammatory molecules vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) and MHC class 1-related antigen A (MICA). This study sought to determine whether AECA mediates this upregulation of VAP-1 and MCA and to define better the signaling pathways that are activated by these autoantibodies upon binding to EC in the kidney. Stimulation of human kidney microvascular EC with AECA IgG upregulated surface expression of MICA and VAP-1, elicited a rapid Ca2+ flux, induced high levels of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and granulocyte chemotactic protein-2, induced specific phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the transcription factors c-Jun and activating transcription factor-2, and activated NF-kappa B. Specific inhibitors of SAPK/JNK significantly reduced AECA-induced chemokine production and phosphorylation of c-Jun and activating transcription factor-2 and abrogated protein expression of MICA but not VAP-1. In kidney sections from patients with WG, infiltrating cells that expressed the ligand for MICA (NKG2D(+)) were identified, as were CD8(+) and 32 gamma delta(+) T cells. In conclusion, AECA may be involved in the pathogenesis of WG, and the SAPK/JNK pathway and the endothelial inflammatory protein VAP-1 may be novel therapeutic targets for vasculitis.://000250986000013Holmen, Carolina Elsheikh, Elzafir Christensson, Marta Liu, Jining Johansson, Anne-Sofie Qureshi, Abdul Rashid Jalkanen, Sirpa Sumitran-Holgersson, Suchitra 1046-6673ISI:00025098|?qMoerland, M. Samyn, H. van Gent, T. Jauhiainen, M. Metso, J. van Haperen, R. Grosveld, F. van Tol, A. de Crom, R.2007XAtherogenic, enlarged, and dysfunctional HDL in human PLTP/apoA-I double transgenic mice 2622-2631Journal of Lipid Research4812ArticleDecIn low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice, overexpression of human plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) results in increased atherosclerosis. PLTP strongly decreases HDL levels and might alter the antiatherogenic properties of HDL particles. To study the potential interaction between human PLTP and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), double transgenic animals (hPLTPtg/hApoAItg) were compared with hApoAItg mice. PLTP activity was increased 4.5-fold. Plasma total cholesterol and phospholipid were decreased. Average HDL size (analyzed by gel filtration) increased strongly, hPLTPtg/hApoAItg mice having very large, LDL-sized, HDL particles. Also, after density gradient ultracentrifugation, a substantial part of the apoA-I-containing lipoproteins in hPLTPtg/ hApoAItg mice was found in the LDL density range. In cholesterol efflux studies from macrophages, HDL isolated from hPLTPtg/ hApoAItg mice was less efficient than HDL isolated from hApoAItg mice. Furthermore, it was found that the largest subfraction of the HDL particles present in hPLTPtg/ hApoAItg mice was markedly inferior as a cholesterol acceptor, as no labeled cholesterol was transferred to this fraction. In an LDLR-deficient background, the human PLTP-expressing mouse line showed a 2.2-fold increased atherosclerotic lesion area. These data demonstrate that the action of human PLTP in the presence of human apoA-I results in the formation of a dysfunctional HDL subfraction, which is less efficient in the uptake of cholesterol from cholesterol-laden macrophages.://000251041500011Moerland, Matthijs Samyn, Hannelore van Gent, Teus Jauhiainen, Matti Metso, Jari van Haperen, Rien Grosveld, Frank van Tol, Arie de Crom, Rini 0022-2275ISI:000251|?]Simell, B. Melin, M. Lahdenkari, M. Briles, D. E. Hollingshead, S. K. Kilpi, T. M. Kayhty, H.2007Antibodies to pneumococcal surface protein a families 1 and 2 in serum and saliva of children and the risk of pneumococcal acute otitis media 1528-1536Journal of Infectious Diseases19610ArticleNovBackground. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a highly variable yet cross-reactive protein that exists as 2 major families. We assessed the development of human serum and salivary antibodies against the PspA families 1 (PspA1) and 2 (PspA2) in early childhood and their role in the prevention of pneumococcal acute otitis media (AOM). Methods. Serum levels of IgG and salivary levels of IgA antibodies to PspA1 and PspA2 were measured by use of enzyme immunoassay from the samples from the Finnish Otitis Media Cohort Study obtained at the ages of 12 months (287 and 160 samples, respectively) and 18 months (258 and 131 samples, respectively). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the relative risk (RR) of pneumococcal AOM during the 6 months after sampling relative to concentration of serum or presence of salivary anti-PspA in the samples. Results. Anti-PspA1 and anti-PspA2 concentrations at 12 and 18 months were related to prior culture-confirmed pneumococcal exposure. The concentrations of serum anti-PspA were not significantly associated with the risk of pneumococcal AOM. At 18 months, the presence of salivary anti-PspA was significantly associated with a lower risk of pneumococcal AOM during the 6 months after sampling (RR, 0.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.11 -0.69]). Conclusions. The lowered risk of pneumococcal AOM associated with the presence of salivary anti-PspA at 18 months suggests that mucosal anti-PspA antibodies have a role in the prevention of pneumococcal AOM.://000250921800016sSimell, Birgit Melin, Merit Lahdenkari, Mika Briles, David E. Hollingshead, Susan K. Kilpi, Terhi M. Kayhty, Helena 0022-1899ISI:0002509|?Feng, P. C. H. Monday, S. R. Lacher, D. W. Allison, L. Siitonen, A. Keys, C. Eklund, M. Nagano, H. Karch, H. Keen, J. Whittam, T. S.2007eGenetic diversity among clonal lineages within Escherichia coli 0157 : H7 stepwise evolutionary model 1701-1706Emerging Infectious Diseases1311ArticleNovEscherichia coli O157:H7 variants were examined for trait mutations and by molecular subtyping to better define clonal complexes postulated on the O157:H7 evolution model. Strains of beta-glucuroniclase-positive, sorbitol-negative 0157:H7 isolated in United States and Japan were identical to A5 clonal strain and shared sequence type (ST)-65 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST); thus, they belong in A5. However, these strains exhibited pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profile differences that suggested genomic divergence between populations. Sorbitol-fermenting 0157 (SFO157) strains from Finland, Scotland, and Germany were identical to A4 clonal strain and belong in A4. Some SFO157 strains, isolated years apart and from different countries, had identical PFGE profiles, suggesting a common origin. Despite similarities, some Finnish and Scottish and all of the German strains have ST-75 ("German clone"), whereas others have ST-76, a new variant ("Scottish clone"). MLST of strains in other clonal complexes also discriminated strains thought to be identical and showed that genetic differences will further distinguish clonal populations into subclones.://000250860500012Feng, Peter C. H. Monday, Steven R. Lacher, David W. Allison, Lesley Siitonen, Anja Keys, Christine Eklund, Marjut Nagano, Hideki Karch, Helge Keen, James Whittam, Thomas S. 1080-6040ISI:00025|? wTiirola, T. Sinisalo, J. Nieminen, M. S. Silvennoinen-Kassinen, S. Paldanius, M. Saikku, P. Jauhiainen, M. Leinonen, M.2007oChlamydial lipopolysaccharide is present in serum during acute coronary syndrome and correlates with CRP levels403-407Atherosclerosis1942ArticleOctInfections, Chlamydia pneumoniae as a major candidate, have been suggested to participate in inflammatory processes ultimately leading to atherosclerosis. In the present study we measured serum levels of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide (cLPS) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (n = 145). During ACS, both cLPS and hsCRP were elevated and significant correlation (P = 0.003, r = 0.25) between them was observed. Both cLPS and hsCRP levels decreased after the event and correlation remained significant during the follow-up period. Our results suggest that cLPS is liberated from the damaged tissue persistently infected with C pneumoniae during the ACS event. The significant correlation between cLPS and hsCRP levels further point to the possibility that both levels reflect the magnitude of tissue damage. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.://000250891800016Tiirola, Terttu Sinisalo, Juha Nieminen, Markku S. Silvennoinen-Kassinen, Sylvi Paldanius, Mika Saikku, Pekka Jauhiainen, Matti Leinonen, Maija 0021-9150ISI:0002508op|? [Hu, G. Jousilahti, P. Borodulin, K. Barengo, N. C. Lakka, T. A. Nissinen, A. Tuomilehto, J.2007Occupational, commuting and leisure-time physical activity in relation to coronary heart disease among middle-aged Finnish men and women490-497Atherosclerosis1942ArticleOctObjective: To examine the association of different levels of occupational, commuting, and leisure-time physical activity with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Methods and results: The study comprised 47,840 Finnish participants aged 25-64 years without history of CHD and stroke at baseline. During a mean follow-up of 18.9 years, 4660 new CHD events were documented. The multivariable-adjusted (age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, history of diabetes, and other two types of physical activity) hazard ratios (HRs) of CHD events associated with low, moderate, and high occupational activity were 1.00, 0.87, and 0.90 (P-trend = 0.019) for men, and 1.00, 0.75, and 0.80 (P-trend < 0.001) for women, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted HRs of CHD events associated with low, moderate, and high leisure-time physical activity were 1.00, 0.95, and 0.84 (P-trend = 0.026) for men, and 1.00, 0.85, and 0.77 (P-trend = 0.003) for women, respectively. Active commuting had a significant inverse association with the risk of CHD events in women but not in men. Conclusion: Moderate or high levels of occupational or leisure-time physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of CHD. Daily walking or cycling to and from work is associated with a decreased risk of CHD among women. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.://000250891800029qHu, Gang Jousilahti, Pekka Borodulin, Katja Barengo, Noel C. Lakka, Tirno A. Nissinen, Aulikki Tuomilehto, Jaakko 0021-9150ISI:000250D|? "Russell, M. B. Levi, N. Kaprio, J.2007@Genetics of tension-type headache: A population based twin study982-986EAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics Part B-Neuropsychiatric Genetics144B8ArticleDecQThe purpose was to investigate the importance of genetic and environmental factors in tension-type headache using a genetic modeling analysis. Twins age 12-41 years old from the population based Danish Twin Registry received a validated posted questionnaire about tension-type headache and migraine. Inclusion required that both twins in a pairs replied on the questionnaire and known zygosity. Twin pairs where one or both twins had co-occurrence of migraine were excluded. Migraine significantly increases the risk as well as the frequency of tension-type headache. The quantitative genetic modeling included 2,437 monozygotic (MZ), 2,720 same gender dizygotic (DZ), and 2,203 opposite gender DZ twin pairs without co-occurrence of migraine. Polychoric correlations were significantly higher in MZ than same gender DZ twin pairs analyzed separately by gender, while polychoric correlation were higher in same gender than opposite gender DZ twin pairs, although this was not significant in the comparison with male same gender DZ twin pairs. The best fitting model is based on gender specific prevalence and variance components without gender specific genetic effects. Heritability estimates of 48% in men and 44% in women were obtained. Genetic effects contribute to nearly half of variance in the liability to tension-type headache. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.://0002510967000031Russell, Michael Bjorn Levi, Niels Kaprio, Jaakko 1552-4841ISI:00025 8 '(F|7 Kilpealinen, T. O. Lakka, T. A. Laaksonen, D. E. Lindstorm, J. Eriksson, J. G. Valle, T. T. Hamalainen, H. Ilanne-Parikka, P. Keinanen-Kiukaanniemi, S. Lindi, V. Tuomilehto, J. Uusitupa, M. Laakso, M.2007PSNPs in PPARG Associate with Type 2 Diabetes and Interact with Physical ActivityMed Sci Sports Exerc 2007/12/20Dec 4}PURPOSE:: To study the associations of seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene with the conversion from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the interactions of the SNPs with physical activity (PA). METHODS:: Overweight individuals with IGT who participated in the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS) (N = 479) were followed, on average, 4.2 yr. PA was assessed yearly with a 12-month validated questionnaire. RESULTS:: In Cox regression analyses, the rare alleles of rs17036314 and rs1801282 (Pro12Ala) predicted conversion to T2D (P = 0.038 and 0.037, respectively), but only rs17036314 predicted T2D after adjustment for baseline fasting glucose (P = 0.030). The change in the total amount of PA, stratified by median, modified the association of rs17036314 and rs1801282 with the risk of T2D during the intervention (P = 0.002 and 0.031, respectively, for interaction between PA change and genotype); an increase in PA seemed to remove the effect of the risk alleles. The distinct rs1152003 polymorphism interacted with the study group on the conversion to T2D (P = 0.027) and tended to increase the risk of T2D in the intervention group (P = 0.050). No interaction between rs1152003 and the change in PA was found. CONCLUSIONS:: The rs17036314, rs1801282 (Pro12Ala), and rs1152003 were associated with the risk of T2D in the DPS. Increased PA seemed to decrease the effect of the risk alleles of rs17036314 and rs1801282 on the conversion to T2D. The effect of rs1152003 was modified by other lifestyle changes or the lifestyle intervention as a whole."Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 Dec 4;.0195-9131 (Print)180910232.9091Institute of Biomedicine, Physiology, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, FINLAND; 2Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, FINLAND; 3Department of Medicine, University of Kuopio and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, FINLAND; 4Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, Diabetes Unit, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, FINLAND; 5Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FINLAND; 6Research Department, Social Insurance Institution, Turku, FINLAND; 7Finnish Diabetes Association, Tampere, FINLAND; 8Tampere University Hospital Research Unit, Tampere, FINLAND; 9Department of Public Health Science and General Practice, Unit of General Practice, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, FINLAND; 10Department of Sports Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute, Oulu, FINLAND; 11School of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, FINLAND; and 12South Ostrobothnia Central Hospital, Seinajoki, FINLAND."10.1249/mss.0b013e31815||7 -Keski-Nisula, L. Jarvelin, M. R. Pekkanen, J.2007xNo association between placental weight or ratio at birth and risk of atopy, hay fever, or asthma at the age of 31 years416-7 J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol176 2007/12/20"Keski-Nisula, L Jarvelin, M R Pekkanen, J Spain Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology : official organ of the International Association of Asthmology (INTERASMA) and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia e Inmunologia J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2007;17(6):416-7.1018-9068 (Print)180880281.028lEnvironmental Epidemiology Unit, National Public Health Institute, Kuopio, Finland. leea.keski-nisSCS0161-5890(07)00845-0 [pii] 10.1016/j.molimm.2007.10F|7ATiirikainen, K. Lounamaa, A. Paavola, M. Kumpula, H. Parkkari, J.20076Trend in Sports Injuries among Young People in FinlandInt J Sports Med 2007/12/18Dec 17dThe main purpose of this study was to explore how the number of home, sports, and other leisure time injuries among young people aged 15 - 25 years has developed in Finland in 1988 - 2003. In 1988, 2559 people aged 15 - 25 years were interviewed by Statistics Finland. In 1993, 1997 and 2003 those amounts were 751, 1638 and 1382. The subjects were asked in a telephone interview to report the injuries in which they had been involved during the previous 12 months. The crude injury incidence in 2003 was 364 per 1000 person years in men and 246 in women. The total number of injuries increased 49 % between the years 1988 and 2003. The number of sports injuries increased the most. The increase was greater among men than women, and the injury rate was higher among both men and women aged 15 - 19 years than those aged 20 - 25 years. More research is needed on whether and how exercise and time at home have changed and become riskier among young people. It is also essential to find out which prevention methods are the most effective among young people and implement these measures in a well-planned and targeted manner.Int J Sports Med. 2007 Dec 17;.0172-4622 (Print)180809531.240Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases, Injury Prevention Unit, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.10.1055/s-2007-9 ||7CLahti, T. J. Terttunen, J. Leppamaki, S. Lonnqvist, J. Partonen, T.2007OField trial of timed bright light exposure for jet lag among airline cabin crew365-9Int J Circumpolar Health664 2007/11/21Adult Aviation Female Humans Jet Lag Syndrome/ therapy Male Middle Aged Observation Occupational Exposure Phototherapy QuestionnairesSep2OBJECTIVES: Commercial airlines' flight crew members on transmeridian long-haul flights are constantly exposed to rapid changes in external time. Following rapid changes in circadian rhythm may lead to several symptoms known as jet lag. Our aim was to alleviate jet-lag symptoms by timed exposure to bright light (natural sunlight if present, otherwise artificial bright light). STUDY DESIGN: Observational field trial with bright light against jet lag. METHODS: Information on the effects of bright lights on health was delivered through corporate level wellness programs. Volunteer study subjects were cabin crew members on long-haul flights. Subjects filled in a 16-Item Columbia Jet Lag Scale (maximum score 64) before the flight (expected symptoms based on previous flights), on the third day at the destination and again on the third day after returning home. Changes in scores were compared relative to the timed exposure to bright light, and to flights eastwards or westwards, and in summer or winter. RESULTS: Out of 75 subjects, 15 returned the questionnaires for a total of 28 flights. The mean estimated effect of bright light was a decrease of 5.3 points on the symptom scale. The difference was not significant (SE = 3.4, df = 11, t = -1.6, p = 0.15). The flight had no influence on the estimate. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not give support to the hypothesis that timed exposure to bright light would alleviate jet lag symptoms, although the small sample size was a problem. More field studies are needed to establish the feasibility of bright light for reducing jet lag.Lahti, Tuuli J Terttunen, Jukka Leppamaki, Sami Lonnqvist, Jouko Partonen, Timo Finland International journal of circumpolar health Int J Circumpolar Health. 2007 Sep;66(4):365-9.1239-9736 (Print)18018849National Public Health Institute. Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, FI-00300, Helsinki, Finland. tuuli.lahti@ktl.fieng {x||7Pulkki, J. Rautakorpi, U. M. Huikko, S. Honkanen, P. Klaukkas, T. Makela, M. Palva, E. Roine, R. Sarkkinen, H. Huovinen, P. Varonen, H.2007fRecommended and prescribed symptomatic treatment for acute maxillary sinusitis in Finnish primary care197-201 Rhinology453 2007/10/25Acute Disease Adolescent Adult Aged Child Female Finland Guideline Adherence Histamine H1 Antagonists/therapeutic use Humans Male Maxillary Sinusitis/ drug therapy Middle Aged Physician's Practice Patterns Primary Health Care Sympathomimetics/therapeutic useSepsWe studied the use of symptomatic medication in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis (AMS) in primary care and whether this use is in accordance with national guidelines. The data was collected annually in the Antimicrobial Treatment Strategies (MIKSTRA) Program in 30 primary health care centres throughout Finland during one week in November in the years from 1998 to 2002. Physicians and nurses collected the data about the diagnoses, prescription-only medicines and over the counter medicines prescribed or recommended for all patients with an infection during the study weeks. The MIKSTRA data comprised of 23.002 first consultations for an infection: 2.448 patients were diagnosed as having AMS. Altogether, 41% of them received some symptomatic medicine. Antihistamines with or without sympathomimetics were the most commonly prescribed or recommended symptomatic medicines (23% of the patients). For comparison, systemic antibacterial agents were prescribed for 93% of the AMS patients. We conclude that Finnish physicians recommend or prescribe more symptomatic medication without proven efficacy for AMS than recommended by the national guidelines. Especially, the use of antihistamines with or without sympathomimetics, mostly the combination of acrivastine and pseudoephedrine, was common although antihistamines were recommended only for patients with allergy or nasal polyps.,Pulkki, Johanna Rautakorpi, Ulla-Maija Huikko, Solja Honkanen, Pekka Klaukkas, Timo Makela, Marjukka Palva, Erkki Roine, Risto Sarkkinen, Hannu Huovinen, Pentti Varonen, Helena MIKSTRA Collaborative Study Group Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Netherlands Rhinology Rhinology. 2007 Sep;45(3):197-201.0300-0729 (Print)179560171.096zNational Public Health Institute, Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, Turku, Finland. johanna.pulvg||7hKarden-Lilja, M. Ibrahem, S. Vuopio-Varkila, J. Salmenlinna, S. Lyytikainen, O. Siira, L. Virolainen, A.2007Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes and staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec types amongst Finnish community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, 1997-1999729-33Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis2610 2007/07/25Adolescent Adult Aged Bacterial Proteins/genetics Bacterial Toxins/ genetics Chromosomes, Bacterial Community-Acquired Infections/ microbiology Exotoxins/ genetics Female Finland Humans Leukocidins/ genetics Male Methicillin Resistance/ genetics Middle Aged Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods Staphylococcal Infections/ microbiology Staphylococcus aureus/ genetics/isolation & purificationOct.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from Finland covering years 1997-1999 were studied for the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene loci, and the clinically well-defined community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains (n = 108) also for staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) and multilocus sequence types (MLST). Only a minority (12%) of the CA-MRSA strains contained the PVL gene loci and possessed genotypes formerly described as typical to CA-MRSA strains. The majority of these strains were heterogenous by MLST and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis but, however, harboured the SCCmec cassette type IV. In conclusion, it seems doubtful to consider only molecular characteristics such as the presence of PVL genes as definite markers for CA-MRSA strains.iKarden-Lilja, M Ibrahem, S Vuopio-Varkila, J Salmenlinna, S Lyytikainen, O Siira, L Virolainen, A United Kingdom Wellcome Trust Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Germany European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2007 Oct;26(10):729-33.0934-9723 (Print)176470342.330Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, 00300, Helsinki, Finland.10.1007/s10096-007-033 ' \||7VStengard, J. H. Frikke-Schmidt, R. Tybjaerg-Hansen, A. Nordestgaard, B. G. Sing, C. F.2007Variation in 5' promoter region of the APOE gene contributes to predicting ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the population at large: the Copenhagen City Heart Study762-71 Ann Hum Genet71Pt 6 2007/05/31Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Apolipoproteins E/ genetics Cholesterol, HDL/blood Denmark Female Genetic Predisposition to Disease Genetic Screening Genotype Humans Male Middle Aged Models, Genetic Myocardial Ischemia/blood/etiology/ genetics Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide Promoter Regions (Genetics) Prospective Studies Risk Factors Sex Factors Triglycerides/blood Variation (Genetics)NovThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether an increased hazard of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD) is associated with any of the three genotypes A560T832/A560T832, A560T832/A560G832 and A560T832/T560T832, defined by variations in two non-coding SNPs in the 5' promoter region of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. These genotypes were selected because they distinguished between high and low levels of HDL-C, TG and/or T-C in our earlier study of multiple samples defined by gender and population. We found a significant increase (p<0.05) in the hazard of IHD in females with the A560T832/T560T832 genotype that remained significant after fitting the effects of dyslipidemia, other established risk factors, and the structural isoform variations of the ApoE molecule. We discuss why this statistically significant genetic predictor may not be an appropriate screening test for IHD in the Danish population at large.Stengard, J H Frikke-Schmidt, R Tybjaerg-Hansen, A Nordestgaard, B G Sing, C F GM-066509/GM/United States NIGMS HL-039107/HL/United States NHLBI HL-051021/HL/United States NHLBI HL-058238/HL/United States NHLBI HL-058239/HL/United States NHLBI HL-058240/HL/United States NHLBI HL-072905/HL/United States NHLBI P50 GM065509-06/GM/United States NIGMS R01 HL039107-19/HL/United States NHLBI R01 HL058238-05/HL/United States NHLBI R01 HL058239-05/HL/United States NHLBI R01 HL058240-05/HL/United States NHLBI R01 HL072905-04/HL/United States NHLBI R37 HL051021-14/HL/United States NHLBI Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural England Annals of human genetics Ann Hum Genet. 2007 Nov;71(Pt 6):762-71. Epub 2007 May 29.0003-4800 (Print)175352702.727Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166 FIN-00300, Helsinki, Finland.3AHG370 [pii] 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2007.003k[d||7Sulander, T. T. Uutela, A. K.2007fObesity and education: recent trends and disparities among 65- to 84-year-old men and women in Finland153-6Prev Med452-3 2007/03/24Aged Aged, 80 and over Body Mass Index Data Collection Educational Status Female Finland/epidemiology Humans Male Obesity/ epidemiology Risk AssessmentAug-SepOOBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze trends and disparities in obesity by education among Finnish men and women aged 65-84 years from 1993 to 2003. METHOD.: Data were derived from nationally representative monitoring surveys conducted biennially from 1993 to 2003 by the National Public Health Institute (KTL). In total, 5740 men and 5746 women were included in the study (response rate 80%). Obesity was set as body mass index (BMI) >or=30, based on self-reported measurements. Age adjusted trends were examined by education and gender. A logistic regression model was used to study educational disparities in obesity. RESULTS: Obesity trends were similar among men and women. The prevalence of obesity increased in both educational groups over the ten-year period. Throughout the period, those with lower education had higher risk of obesity, and educational disparities persisted at about the same level. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is increasing among older people. Information on continuing socioeconomic disparities in obesity is important for those targeting health promotion activities.Sulander, Tommi T Uutela, Antti K Comparative Study United States Preventive medicine Prev Med. 2007 Aug-Sep;45(2-3):153-6. Epub 2007 Feb 15.0091-7435 (Print)173792932.390Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases Prevention, National Public Health Institute (KTL), Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland. tommi.sulander@ktl.fi=S0091-7435(07)00080-1 [pii] 10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.02P||7DBorodulin, K. Makinen, T. Fogelholm, M. Lahti-Koski, M. Prattala, R.2007jTrends and socioeconomic differences in overweight among physically active and inactive Finns in 1978-2002157-62Prev Med452-3 2007/03/23Adult Cross-Sectional Studies Educational Status Exercise Female Finland/epidemiology Humans Male Middle Aged Overweight/ epidemiology Social ClassAug-Sep\OBJECTIVE: The aim was to study the associations of physical activity and socioeconomic status with overweight from 1978 to 2002 and to explore whether the trend in overweight was different across educational groups or leisure time and commuting physical activity groups. METHOD: The study population comprised 37,084 women and 34,191 men who participated in cross-sectional postal surveys carried out annually from 1978 to 2002. The surveys included independent nationally representative random samples of Finns aged 25 to 64 years. Information on weight, height, leisure time and commuting physical activity was self-reported. The level of education was obtained from national register data. Overweight was defined as a body mass index (kg/m2) of 25 or higher. RESULTS: Overweight was more prevalent among the physically inactive and lower educated. The prevalence of overweight increased over time. Across the study years, those men and women who participated in leisure time or commuting physical activity had a lower prevalence of overweight in all educational groups. The increase in the prevalence of overweight followed a similar pattern in all physical activity and education groups. CONCLUSION: Engagement in physical activity has not prevented an increase in the prevalence of overweight in any socioeconomic group among Finnish men and women from 1978 to 2002.Borodulin, Katja Makinen, Tomi Fogelholm, Mikael Lahti-Koski, Marjaana Prattala, Ritva Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't United States Preventive medicine Prev Med. 2007 Aug-Sep;45(2-3):157-62. Epub 2007 Feb 15.0091-7435 (Print)173765232.390National Public Health Institute, Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, Mannerheimintie 166, FI-00300 Helsinki, Finland.=S0091-7435(07)00079-5 [pii] 10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.02 ;||7Aalto, M. Seppa, K.2007gPrimary health care physicians' definitions on when to advise a patient about weekly and binge drinking1321-30 Addict Behav327 2006/11/14Adult Alcoholism/ prevention & control Attitude of Health Personnel Cross-Sectional Studies Demography Female Finland Health Education Humans Male Middle Aged Patient Education as Topic Periodicity Physicians, Family QuestionnairesJulOBJECTIVE: Little is known about the level of alcohol consumption at which physicians think that they should advise their patients to reduce drinking. This is especially true concerning the amounts consumed per one drinking occasion. The aim of the present study was to examine these issues and also characteristics of physicians possibly associated with their different opinions. METHOD: Cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire survey to all 3193 primary health care physicians in Finland. Response rate was 61.0%. RESULTS: The physicians reported that on average 14.8 drinks (one drink=12 g of absolute alcohol)/week for males and 10.6 drinks/week for females to be the threshold that would cause them to advise their patients. Corresponding figures for one drinking occasion were 6.6 and 4.9 drinks/week. In linear regression analyses physicians' AUDIT scores, use of brief intervention, experience as a physician and age explained the variance of all or some reported thresholds, but all the variables explained only about 10% of the phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the official Finnish recommendations regarding the definition of heavy drinking, the physicians reported similar levels of drinking per occasion for deciding to advise their patients, but rather low levels concerning weekly drinking. This may lead to extra workload for physicians and thus hamper implementation of brief intervention. Physicians' characteristics seem to be a decidedly minor issue in implementing drinking limits in health care.Aalto, Mauri Seppa, Kaija Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England Addictive behaviors Addict Behav. 2007 Jul;32(7):1321-30. Epub 2006 Nov 13.0306-4603 (Print)170983681.849Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, PO Box 33, FIN-00251 Helsinki, Finland. mauri.aalto@ktl.fi>S0306-4603(06)00291-7 [pii] 10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.09.003 [doi]eng 10267000071.560 10967000034.463 70.x [doi]eng8918000293.811 918000163.811 08605000125.094 4-0 [doi]eng65332 [doi]Eng ula@kuh.fieng 218000165.3630415000114.357 60000137.3719d1cd [doi]Eng .045 [doi]Eng .007 [doi]eng .008 [doi]eng kki@ktl.fieng 10267000091.560PKR7I/**refs.FRM 0B< !// !HPRIMARYyearIndex 6ByP/) idreference_type text_stylesauthoryear title pages secondary_title volume numbernumber_of_volumessecondary_authorplace_published publishersubsidiary_authoredition keywords type_of_workdate2)  abstractlabelurltertiary_titletertiary_author notes isbn custom_1 custom_2 custom_3 custom_4alternate_titleaccession_number call_number short_title custom_5 custom_6sectionoriginal_publicationH) reprint_editionreviewed_itemauthor_addressimagecaption custom_7 electronic_resource_number link_to_pdf translated_author translated_titlename_of_databasedatabase_providerresearch_notes language access_datelast_modified_date !! 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