A novel duplex SSP–PCR typing method for KIR gene profiling

Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) control the function of natural killer cells. The number and type of KIR genes are substantially variable among individuals. Sequence-specific primer–directed polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) based genotyping is the most commonly used method to assess the KIR gene content. However, it requires a minimum of 16 gene-specific amplifications and often yields false-negative results. Herein, we describe the development of a simple and efficient duplex SSP-PCR assay to identify the presence and absence of 16 KIR genes. This system further distinguishes subsets of KIR2DS4 and KIR3DP1 alleles. The assay was subjected to a blind validation using a panel of 78 reference DNA standards from the UCLA KIR Exchange Program, which showed 100% specificity and accuracy. Compared with the conventional SSP typing methods, the present method is an accurate, simple, cost-effective and labor-saving KIR genotyping method for high volume testing.     

Factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among adults

Background: The higher consumption of fruit and vegetables is considered to be an indicator of healthy eating and the protective effects of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption for noncommunicable diseases have been investigated extensively. The present study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), health behaviours and socio‐demographic factors among adult Canadians. Methods: This analysis was based on the information from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 3.1. Daily intake of fruit and vegetables from a total number of 15 512 apparently healthy individuals, aged 18–64 years, were assessed using a structured questionnaire, which included 20 questions on the frequency of consumption of different types of fruit and vegetables. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between FVI and some socio‐economic factors and lifestyle behaviour among adult Canadians. Results: In total 77% of Canadian adults consumed fruit and vegetables less than five times per day. Females were more likely to consume more fruit [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75–2.4], vegetables (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.65–2.29) and FV (OR 2.52; 95% CI 2.20–2.90) than males. Single/never married individuals, individuals with higher levels of education, never smokers, former drinkers and older people reported more consumption of fruit and vegetables than others. Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study indicate an association between FVI and some socio‐economic and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and that a substantial gap exists between the recommended level and the actual intake of the FV among the Canadian population. Because a higher intake of FV improves public health, it is imperative to tailor nutrition education at the individual and community levels in Canadian populations.     

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus electroconvulsive therapy for major depression: preliminary results of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Many severely depressed patients do not benefit from or tolerate existing treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been reported to benefit depression. We compared rTMS to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in severely ill, depressed patients. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a major depression (unipolar or bipolar) deemed clinically appropriate for ECT were randomly assigned to rTMS (10-20 treatments, 10 Hz, 110% motor threshold applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for a total of 10,000-20,000 stimulations) or a course of bitemporal ECT (4-12 treatments). The primary outcome measure was the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMS), and Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI) were secondary measures. Minimal rescue medications were utilized. RESULTS: Mean percent improvement on the baseline HDRS score did not significantly differ between the two treatments (i.e., 55% for the rTMS group vs. 64% for the ECT group [p = ns]). With response defined as a 50% reduction from baseline and a final score < or = 8 on the HDRS, there was also no significant difference between the two groups. We did not observe any differences between groups on the secondary measures. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-4 week randomized, prospective trial comparing rTMS to ECT produced comparable therapeutic effects in severely depressed patients.     

Assessment of time to pregnancy and spontaneous abortion status following occupational exposure to organic solvents mixture

Purpose  

Due to increasing usage of chemicals in various industries, occupational exposure of women with these materials is unavoidable. Nowadays, some studies indicate adverse effects of exposure to these chemicals, especially organic solvents on the reproductive system of females. This study aimed to assess the relationship between spontaneous abortion and occupational exposure to organic solvents mixture in pharmaceutical industry.     

Systematic review of the epidemiological evidence on Helicobacter pylori infection and nonulcer or uninvestigated dyspepsia

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have yielded conflicting results and substantial uncertainty about any independent association of Helicobacter pylori infection with dyspepsia, and about any benefits of antibiotic treatments for nonulcer or uninvestigated dyspepsia. OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review of the literature to determine whether chronic infection with H pylori is relevant to nonulcer or uninvestigated dyspepsia. METHODS: Observational studies of associations between H pylori and dyspepsia published before April 1999 and randomized trials of the effects of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia published before January 2000 were identified by computer-assisted literature searches of relevant journals, reference lists, and discussions with authors. Relevant data were abstracted from the published reports by 2 investigators according to a fixed protocol. RESULTS: Thirty relevant observational studies were identified involving approximately 3392 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia, and 11 separate observational studies were identified, involving 6426 patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia. Reports of strong associations in small observational studies without appropriate adjustment for potential confounding factors were not generally confirmed by larger and better-designed studies. No studies have been reported, however, that can reliably confirm or exclude the existence of any weak associations. Twenty-two randomized trials of treatments against H pylori were found involving a total of 2340 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia, almost all with positive H pylori test results. Only a few of these trials involved effective antibacterial regimens with prolonged follow-up, and even these studies were too small to assess the possibility of moderate benefits. CONCLUSION: The available evidence indicates that there is no strong association between H pylori and dyspepsia, but there is insufficient evidence to confirm or refute the existence of a modest association.