The relationship of Helicobacter pylori positivity with age, sex, and ABO/Rhesus blood groups in patients with gastrointestinal complaints in Turkey

BACKGROUND: To determine the magnitude of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastrointestinal complaints in Turkey. METHODS: We studied 1680 patients with variable gastrointestinal complaints. The H. pylori infection status was determined using C-14 urea breath test (UBT). Overall, 1567 patients (548 male, 1019 female; age range 4-80 years, mean 29.37 +/- 17.30 years) were included in this study. The relationship between H. pylori positivity and age, sex, sociodemographic characteristic, blood groups, and gastrointestinal diagnosis was determined. RESULTS: H. pylori positivity was found to be 68%. The difference in positivity rates between age groups 4-9 years and other groups was statistically significant (p = .001). H. pylori positivity was 67.7% in males and 68.2% in females (p = .865). H. pylori positivity was 72.1, 65.1, 70, and 68.4% in blood groups A, B, AB, and O (p = .703), and 68.9% and 76.3% in Rh (+) and Rh (-) blood subgroups, respectively (p = .292). There was no statistically significant difference between H. pylori positivity and gastrointestinal diagnosis (p = .980). There was significant association between increased number of household members and low socioeconomic status, and H. pylori positivity (p < .001). Living in rural and suburban area was significantly associated with H. pylori positivity compared with living in urban. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection positivity rate was 68% in symptomatic subjects in Turkey and the positivity rate was significantly lower at age 4-9 years than the other age groups. It was not related to gender, ABO, and Rh blood groups and gastrointestinal diagnosis. Low socioeconomic conditions and living in rural and suburban area were significantly associated with H. pylori positivity.     

Involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection and impaired glucose metabolism in the increase of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity

BACKGROUND: The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial. The present study was designed to elucidate the pathogenic role of H. pylori in the early stages of atherosclerosis by measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in relation to glucose metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: baPWV level, anti-H. pylori antibody, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and other conventional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were measured in 947 subjects who attended their annual medical check-up. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses indicated that age, gender (male), body mass index, FBG, systolic blood pressure, and smoking habits were each independently related to baPWV values. In younger subjects (30-49 years), H. pylori seropositivity was significantly correlated with an increase of baPWV levels (r = 0.100, p = .0445). baPWV values in the H. pylori-positive subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IG: FBG >or= 110 mg/dL and/or HbA1c >or= 5.9%) were significantly greater than those in the H. pylori-negative subjects with IG (p = .0078). Furthermore, H. pylori-positive subjects with IG were at higher risk for increase of baPWV, in younger (r = 0.203, p < .0001) as well as in older subjects (50-69 years, r = 0.099, p = .0009). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that H. pylori seropositivity is a potential risk factor for increased baPWV levels, and that H. pylori infection accelerates the effect of IG on an increase of baPWV, especially in younger subjects. Thus, the possible interaction between H. pylori infection and IG may contribute to the early development of atherosclerosis.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in Greenlanders

BACKGROUND: In contrast to most populations worldwide, the incidence of gastric cancer increases among Inuit in Greenland. Contributing factors to this increase are unknown, but Helicobacter pylori may be involved. However, little is known regarding the epidemiology of H. pylori in Arctic communities. With the aim of determining age-specific prevalence, risk factors, and association with clinical conditions of H. pylori infection, we carried out a population-based study of H. pylori in Sisimiut, the second biggest town of Greenland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based sample of 685 persons had serum drawn that was analyzed for H. pylori IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors analyses were carried out using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The seroprevalence was lowest among children aged 0-4 years (6%), but increased rapidly thereafter. In persons aged 15-87 years the seroprevalence had stabilized around 58%. Total number of children in household, number of older, but not younger, siblings and narrow age gap to closest older sibling were associated with H. pylori seropositivity. In contrast, number of adults in household and socioeconomic status did not influence serostatus. CONCLUSIONS: The age-specific prevalence pattern in Greenland is intermediate between that of developing and developed countries. The risk factor pattern indicates crowding and older siblings in particular to be key elements in risk of infection.     

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in South Korea

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori-associated gastrointestinal diseases have been widely recognized. The aims of this study were to investigate the interval change of seropositivity of H. pylori between 1998 and 2005 in Korean adult population and to find the factors related to H. pylori infection. METHODS: Between January and December of 2005, a total of 15,916 health check-up subjects (aged > or = 16 years) from all parts of South Korea responded to the questionnaire, and the prevalence of H. pylori was investigated by measuring anti-H pylori IgG antibodies. The seropositivity in asymptomatic subjects (aged > or = 16 years) was compared with that of 1998, which was surveyed by the Korean H. pylori Study Group. RESULTS: The overall seropositivity rate (aged > or = 16 years) was 56.0%, and 13.9% of seropositive subjects were found to have a history of H. pylori eradication therapy. With the exclusion of subjects who had a history of H. pylori eradication and current gastrointestinal symptoms, the seropositivity rate of H. pylori became 59.6% in 8020 subjects. Seroprevalence of H. pylori was significantly higher in subjects aged 50-59 years, males, low income group, and subjects from provinces. The seroprevalence in 2005 (59.6%) significantly decreased compared with that of 1998 (66.9%), and the decrease was significant in subjects aged < 70 years, Seoul and Gyeonggi province (which is close to Seoul). CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of H. pylori in asymptomatic health check-up adult subjects in 2005 decreased to 59.6% from 66.9% in 1998, probably as a result of the improvement of socioeconomic status and hygiene.     

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and Length of Stay in a Nursing Home

Background. Helicobacter pylori infection appears to be contracted mainly in childhood, and it is associated with disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions, overcrowding, and living in institutions. In this study we determined the seroprevalence of H. pylori among elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) admitted to a major medical center in Israel, and studied the relationship between seroprevalence of H. pylori and the duration of stay in a nursing home prior to the admission.
Patients and Methods. Whole blood from 182 consecutive patients hospitalized at the Rabin Medical Center was tested for the presence of anti- H. pylori IgG using Helisal Rapid Blood Test kit (Cortecs Diagnostics). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the relation between H. pylori seropositivity and possible predictive factors such as age, gender and duration of stay in a nursing home.
Results. Of the 182 patients included in the study, 80 (44%) were living in nursing homes (NH) and 102 (56%) were living in their own homes (H) prior to admission. Subjects that stayed in nursing homes for more than 15 months were significantly more likely to be seropositive than subjects with a shorter duration of stay (84% and 63% respectively, p = 0.03). Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis on both the NH group and the whole group, seropositivity was found to be significantly associated with duration of stay in a nursing home (  p = 0.03 and p = 0.01 respectively). Seropositivity was not associated with age in either group.
Conclusions. Living in a nursing home is associated with increased risk for H. pylori infection in the elderly. There is a strong correlation between the duration of stay in a nursing home and the prevalence of H. pylori infection.     

Helicobacter pylori infection and coronary artery disease

The aim of this investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with coronary artery disease (n = 90) and control group (n = 90) were enrolled into this randomized, multi-centre study. CAD risk factors analyzed included age, male gender, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolemia and socioeconomic status. The results of this study showed a higher seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with CAD compared to controls (78.8% versus 58.3%, p < 0.05). However, Helicobacter pylori seropositivity was not associated with coronary artery risk factors (smoking, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, total cholesterol and socioeconomic status) either in the whole study population or in the patients and control subjects analyzed separately (P > 0.05). Further study are needed to clarify the precise role of Helicobacter pylori infection on the development of coronary artery disease.     

Childhood Hygienic Practice and Family Education Status Determine the Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Iran

Background: Management of Helicobacter pylori , a causative agent of gastrointestinal diseases is an important health problem in most countries. The main reasons include poorly defined epidemiological status and unrecognized mode of bacterial transmission. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a representative population of Iran and to evaluate possible risk factors for the H. pylori infection.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2561 healthy individuals aged 18–65 years (mean age, 35.5 years) were selected out of 12,100,000 inhabitants of Tehran province by cluster sampling. Infection with H. pylori was evaluated by detection of anti- H. pylori IgG antibody in serum. Sociodemographic status of each subject was determined by filling up a questionnaire.
Results: Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 69% and was correlated with increasing age. The highest infection rate (79.2%) was seen in individuals 46–55 years old. No association was detected between H. pylori positivity and gender. Low education of the study subjects; low father's and mother's education; poor tooth brushing habit; crowded families in childhood; and lack of household bath, hygienic drinking water, and swage disposal facility in childhood were determined as possible risk factors.
Conclusions: The rate of prevalence of H. pylori infection was higher than developed countries. Low socioeconomic status, poor sanitary indications, and crowded families in childhood were related to high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Iran. Accordingly, fecal–oral and oral–oral routes could be considered as the main pathways of transmission of H. pylori .     

High rate of Helicobacter pylori reinfection in children and adolescents

AIMS: Primary Helicobacter pylori infection occurs predominantly in childhood. The aims of this study were to establish the rate of H. pylori reinfection after successful eradication in children and adolescents and to determine the risk factors associated with reinfection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 45 children (20 girls, 25 boys) who met the following criteria: eradication of H. pylori confirmed at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy, and the search for reinfection at least one year after control of eradication of H. pylori. Demographic data, socioeconomic status and living conditions were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-five children aged 1.2-17.6 years (median, 10.9 years) at the time of H. pylori treatment were reviewed 1 to 9 years after H. pylori eradication. Eight children (18%) had been reinfected (5.4% to 6% per patient-year). Six of 25 (24%) children older than 10 years at the time of diagnosis became reinfected. None of the studied risk factors was associated with reinfection. However, having a sibling younger than 5 years was found in four of seven (57%) reinfected children versus five of 24 (21%) nonreinfected children (p = .08). CONCLUSION: Children become reinfected more frequently than adults. Adolescents become reinfected, whereas acquisition of primary H. pylori infection occurs predominantly in early childhood. Close contact with young children, especially siblings, younger than 5 years could be a more important risk factor than the age of the patient at the time of treatment for the high rate of reinfection in childhood.     

Relative contribution of caries and periodontal disease in adult tooth loss among patients reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences,Belgaum, India

Objectives: To examine the reasons for tooth loss in an adult population. Methods: Patients who reported to the department of prosthodontics in Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, located in the north‐western part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern region of India over a period of 2 months, with at least one missing tooth (excluding third molars) constituted the sample size. There were a total of 365 patients (185 females and 180 males) within the age group of 16–84 years (mean age 51.06 ± 16.47 years) who fulfilled this criterion. Socio‐demographic profile was recorded along with a clinical examination for assessing the number and pattern of tooth loss. The reasons for tooth loss were recorded according to the history reported by the patient. Results: In the present study of 365 patients, 58.9% of the patients were completely edentulous, 41% were partially dentate, of which 20.8% had lost their teeth from caries, 11% from periodontal disease and 9.3% from a combination of reasons. More females had lost their teeth because of dental caries whereas more males had lost their teeth because of periodontal disease, this being statistically significant. (χ² = 16.53, p = 0.001). Highly significant results were obtained for age and reasons for tooth loss. (χ² = 150.39, p < 0.001). Irrespective of the socio‐economic status, dental caries was the most common cause for tooth loss in partially dentate patients though it was not statistically significant (χ² = 13.62, p = 0.325). Mandibular first molars were the teeth most frequently lost due to dental caries. The maxillary left central incisor was most frequently lost due to periodontal disease, followed by the maxillary right central incisor. Conclusions: Since both dental caries and periodontal disease contributed to tooth loss at different ages, risk indicators need to be identified.     

Decreasing seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection during 1993-2003 in Guangzhou, southern China

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is inversely associated with socioeconomic conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection during 1993-2003 in Guangzhou, a representative city of southern China with quick improvement in socioeconomy. METHODS: From March to August 2003, sera were collected from 1471 healthy persons (760 male and 711 female subjects, aged 3-92 years) undergoing annual routine health examination in Guangzhou. H. pylori infection was checked by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In 2003, the overall prevalence rate of H. pylori infection was 47% with no gender difference (p > .05). Children aged 1-5 years had the prevalence rate of 19.4%. The prevalence rate then increased steadily with annual infection rate of approximately 1% after this age, reaching a plateau of approximately 55% after the age of 50 years. The peak seroprevalence rate was 63.2% at 40-50 years. Comparing the prevalence rate of H. pylori infection in 2003 with data obtained in 1993, statistically significant decrease of H. pylori infection rate ranged from 11.4 to 18.0% in different age groups was found. The overall age-standardized H. pylori seroprevalence rate was 62.5% in 1993 and 49.3% in 2003. The seroprevalence of H. pylori was found to be significantly decreased over a time span of 10 years (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection has significantly decreased during the 10-year period in Guangzhou. This change may be attributable to the improvement in socioeconomic conditions in this city.     

A Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and its Association with Systemic Inflammation

Background:  Infection with Helicobacter pylori is associated with a variety of non-gastrointestinal sequelae. These may be mediated by an increase in systemic inflammation. We assessed if serologic evidence of infection with H. pylori is associated with increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
Methods:  The study design consisted of a randomly selected, cross-sectional population-based study of 2633 individuals phenotyped in 1991, of whom 2361 participants provided serum samples to permit measurement of H. pylori 's serologic status and CRP levels.
Results:  Male gender (odds ratio (OR): 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–2.21), age (OR per year: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04–1.06), height (OR per meter: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01–0.24), current smoking habit (compared with never smokers, OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13–1.88), and less affluent socioeconomic status were associated with increased odds of being seropositive for H. pylori . Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with increased risk of having an elevated serum CRP (above 3 mg/L) after adjustment for gender, age, height, smoking status, and socioeconomic status (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05–1.67). Similar associations were seen using a threshold for elevated serum CRP of greater than 1 mg/L.
Conclusions:  Our data suggest that infection with H. pylori is associated with increased systemic inflammation. This suggests one potential mechanism to explain the extra-gastrointestinal conditions associated with H. pylori infection.     

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and risk of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a risk factor for distal stomach cancer, and a few small studies have suggested that H. pylori may be a potential risk factor for lung cancer. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a study of 350 lung adenocarcinoma cases, 350 squamous cell carcinoma cases, and 700 controls nested within the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (ATBC) cohort of male Finnish smokers. Controls were one-to-one matched by age and date of baseline serum draw. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies against H. pylori whole-cell and cytotoxin-associated gene (CagA) antigens, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations between H. pylori seropositivity and lung cancer risk using conditional logistic regression. H. pylori seropositivity was detected in 79.7% of cases and 78.5% of controls. After adjusting for pack-years and cigarettes smoked per day, H. pylori seropositivity was not associated with either adenocarcinoma (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.75-1.6) or squamous cell carcinoma (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.77-1.7). Results were similar for CagA-negative and CagA-positive H. pylori seropositivity. Despite earlier small studies suggesting that H. pylori may contribute to lung carcinogenesis, H. pylori seropositivity does not appear to be associated with lung cancer.     

Tooth loss and associated factors in long-term institutionalised elderly patients

Objective: To compare partial and total tooth loss in dependent institutionalised elderly patients and identify any associated factors. Background: A poor oral health status, together with a reduction of autonomy can seriously affect the general health and increase the risk of death in elderly people. Those with total tooth loss and in need of assistance are the most at risk. Materials and methods: In 2004, a cross‐sectional study of 321 elderly patients was conducted in long‐term hospital services provided in Montpellier, France. Socio‐demographic, behavioural, medical and oral health information was recorded for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to test the relationship between those covariates and partial or total tooth loss. Pearson chi‐squared tests were used for bivariate analyses. Results: The proportion of edentulousness was 26.9%; among these12.6% had no dentures. The factors significantly associated with edentulism were: an age ‘older than 87 years’ [odds ratio (OR) = 9.4], the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 6.8), and inadequate oral hygiene (OR = 0.1). The factors most significantly associated with partial tooth loss (at least 21 missing teeth) were ‘cancerous disease’ (OR = 9.9), the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 5.6) and the presence of a neurological disease (OR = 4.1). The factors significantly related to dentate status (20 or more natural teeth retained) were ‘hypertension treatment’ (OR = 2.4), and ‘cortisone treatment’ (OR = 0.2). Conclusion: General health problems as well as a poor oral condition were significant risk indicators for tooth loss among the long‐term institutionalised elderly. This suggests that the number of remaining teeth has a strong effect on oral health‐related quality of life.     

The prevalence and incidence of Helicobacter pylori infections among young recruits during service in the Hungarian Army

BACKGROUND: A vast number of data indicate that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections is positively correlated with age and is different in various countries. Although our knowledge of transmission of H. pylori is very limited, it is reasonable to assume that it could be much more contagious in closed communities, for example in garrisons, than in normal populations. METHODS: Young male recruits (aged 19-23 years) in the Hungarian Army were tested for seropositivity at the beginning and at the end of their military service. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity was found to be 23% (*CI95%: 21-24%) among the young male recruits. Seroconversion among the formerly seronegative persons after completing either their 9-month or 6-month military service was 30% (CI95%: 25-35%) and 23% (CI95%: 8-45%), respectively. In those groups, where either the H. pylori infection was eradicated by antibiotics or hygienic countermeasures were introduced, the infection rate was reduced from 23% to 11% (CI95%: 3-25%) and to 0% (CI95%: 0-6%); p > .2 and p < .002, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that, although H. pylori has a very high contagiosity in closed communities, its spread can be reduced or even prevented by medication of the infected persons and/or by improving the hygienic conditions and introducing anti-infective sanitary regulations.     

Apoptosis in Helicobacter pylori gastritis is related to cagA status

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection increases gastric epithelial cell apoptosis; however, the influence of cagA status is still controversial. We aimed to investigate if cagA status is related to apoptosis in H. pylori gastritis at different anatomic sites of the gastric mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied by immunohistochemistry (streptavidin-biotin method) pro-apoptotic (Bax and Bak) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x) proteins expression, scored from 0 to 4, in gastric biopsies, at the antrum (lesser and greater curvatures), incisura, and corpus (greater curvature) from 50 patients with H. pylori gastritis (22 males, 28 females, median age 40 years) and eight non-infected patients (6 males, median age 39.6 years). H. pylori and cagA status were determined by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Apoptotic proteins were expressed in a granular pattern, in the cytoplasm of foveolar cells; Bax and Bak expression was higher than Bcl-2 and Bcl-x in most cases and was significantly higher in patients infected by cagA-positive strains than in those infected by cagA-negative strains (p = .001). Bak expression was higher at the lesser curvature (antrum and incisura) than in the other regions (p = .002) and was correlated with atrophy. Anti-apoptotic proteins were significantly more expressed at the antral lesser curvature than in the other regions of the stomach (Bcl-2: p = .02; Bcl-x: p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Infection with cagA-positive strains is significantly associated with overexpression of pro-apoptotic proteins in the gastric mucosa, mainly at the antral lesser curvature, which may have a role on atrophy development. Anti-apoptotic proteins were also overexpressed at the lesser curvature, which may occur to keep epithelial cell turnover or might be related to malignant transformation.     

Helicobacter pylori infection in children in Estonia: decreasing seroprevalence during the 11-year period of profound socioeconomic changes

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is inversely associated with socioeconomic conditions in childhood. In Estonia, a high prevalence of H. pylori infection has been observed among children born in 1987 and earlier. Since 1991, after the dissolution of the USSR, profound social and economic changes have taken place in the country. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among children in the period 1991-2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hospital-based study population consisted of two groups of children enrolled in 1991 (n = 425) and 2002 (n = 296) according to the same inclusion criteria. The immunoglobulin G antibodies to the cell surface proteins of H. pylori were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the sera with the borderline results were analyzed by immunoblot analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the associations between H. pylori seropositivity and different variables such as demographic characteristics, diagnoses and year of enrollment. RESULTS: The only two variables linked independently to H. pylori serostatus were age and year of enrollment: the adjusted odds of being H. pylori seropositive were 1.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-2.76] times higher for the children enrolled in 1991 compared with the children enrolled in 2002. The age-standardized seroprevalence rate was 42.2% (95% CI 37.4-47.0%) for the group of 1991 and 28.1% (95% CI 23.1-33.6%) for the group of 2002. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H. pylori infection among children has significantly decreased during the 11-year period of profound socioeconomic changes in Estonia.     

Determinants of Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Mexican adolescents

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common human infections and is considered to play an etiologic role in several gastroduodenal diseases. In this study we determined the H. pylori seroprevalence among adolescents in Morelos, Mexico, and explored the association between seroprevalence and socioeconomic, dietary and lifestyle variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5861 Mexican subjects aged 11-21 years. H. pylori infection was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay previously validated in Mexico. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic factors, housing, living conditions and food consumption. Multivariate logistic regression methods were used to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The overall H. pylori seroprevalence was 47.6%; 40.6% in preadolescents (11-14 years), 48.6% in adolescents (15-17 years), and 59.8% in young adults (18-24 years). A positive association was found between age and H. pylori seroprevalence. Inverse associations were found for availability of drinking water, sewerage, and home appliances at the time of the subject's birth, a proxy variable of socioeconomic status. Intake of milk products and total fats was positively associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: This large seroprevalence study showed that H. pylori infection is frequent among adolescents in Mexico. An early acquisition of infection is indirectly suggested. Some variables denoting low socioeconomic status were inversely associated with H. pylori seroprevalence. Associations with intake of milk products and total fats suggest new hypotheses in this field of research.     

Socioeconomic status during childhood and health status in adulthood: the Wrocław growth study

It has been widely observed that socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with frequency of cardiovascular disease. Both men and women of low socioeconomic position have increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and premature death. In this study the relationship between SES in childhood, and health status at the age of 50 years was examined. Socioeconomic status in childhood was measured using objective (father's educational level and number of children in the family) and subjective (self-assessed SES in childhood declared in early adulthood) indicators. Data from the Wroclaw Growth Study were completed when subjects were 50 years old, and information concerning health status was added. The results indicated that the objective, universally used measures of SES in childhood such as father's educational level and size of family did not show any essential relationships with health outcomes in adulthood, both for men and women. By contrast, retrospective, self-assessed SES (as better, average or worse as compared with peers) in childhood was significantly associated with the appearance of cardiovascular disease among women aged 50 years. Women who at the beginning of their adult life declared better socioeconomic condition in childhood were significantly healthier at the age of 50 years (OR=3.43; p=0.02). Moreover, this appeared to be independent of BMI, SES and life-style in adulthood. For men, retrospective self-assessed SES showed no relation to health status at the age of 50 years. The gender differences in the relationships between self-assessed SES in childhood and health status in adulthood are explained by possible selective premature mortality among men from lower childhood SES and/or sex differences in cognitive abilities.     

Age,sex, and antemortem loss of teeth in prehistoric Eskimo samples from point hope and Kodiak Island,Alaska

The incidence of teeth lost antemortem was investigated in 244 archeologically derived dried skeletal specimens from the Ipiutak and Tigara burials at Point Hope, Alaska, and 83 Koniag Eskimo specimens excavated at Jones Point, Uyak Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Ipiutak skeletal remains date from approximately 1500 years B.P. and the Tigara remains from 300–400 years B.P. The Kodiak Island sample is undated. Specimens were sexed and aged in five-year groupings using standard techniques. Teeth lost antermortem were identified as having occupied tooth sockets which showed healing of alveolar bone following exfoliation. Numbers of lost teeth were calculated as percentages of total number of tooth sites of each tooth classification for each age, sex, and site subgrouping. Tooth loss was very low in the Kodiak Island sample, with little difference between sexes and no identifiable age trends. The Tigara ramains displayed moderate tooth loss, with strong correlations to increasing age and little differentiation between the sexes. The Ipiutak specimens lost the most teeth antemortem, with notable between-sex differences and strong correlations with increasing age. In all groups loss of anterior teeth was probably due to accident or heavy wear, while loss of posterior teeth was due to heavy wear, periodontal disease, or agenesis.     

Helicobacter pylori Seroprevalence in Symptomatic Veterans: A Study of 7310 Patients Over 11 Years

Background and Aims:  The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been decreasing in the USA, but recent data are lacking. This study evaluates the seroprevalence for anti- H. pylori antibodies in symptomatic veterans tested over the past 11 years.
Materials and Methods:  The same serum anti- H. pylori IgG detection system has been used at a tertiary care Veterans Affairs hospital since late 1996. Results of all tests performed from 1997 to 2007 were analyzed.
Results:  Of 7310 unique patients tested, 3982 (54.5%) were positive. Seropositivity declined from 70.8% in 1997 to 48.6% in 2002, then reached a plateau around 50%. A strong birth cohort effect was present, from a seropositivity of 72.7% for the veterans born before 1920 to 22% for those born between after 1980.
Conclusions:  Despite a constant birth cohort effect, H. pylori seropositivity among symptomatic veterans leveled down at ~50% after declining steadily from 1997 to 2002.