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[Patterns in the distribution of GPD- alleles in Azerbaijan. I. Incidence and polymorphism of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in the Shekii region of the Azerbaijan SSR].

Through examination of G6PD deficiency among 939 pupils of Shekii district of Azerbaijan 52 hemi-, 10 homo- and 58 heterozygous carriers of defect were found. Relatives of probands--inhabitants of 3 settlements in the Shekii district-- were examined on G6PD deficiency too. Average hemizygote frequency is 11.11%, heterozygotes frequency is 12.9%. The cases of disaccordance between phenotype and genotype in female carriers of Gd- are analysed using pedigree data.

Alleles↗

Prevalence of anemia among displaced and nondisplaced mothers and children--Azerbaijan, 2001.

In the early 1990s, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Azeri region of Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in approximately 600,000 internally displaced persons and 200,000 refugees in Azerbaijan. After years of displacement and despite sustained humanitarian assistance, these internally displaced persons and refugees (IDP/Rs) are still coping with unfavorable living conditions and limited employment opportunities. Results of a 1996 CDC survey in Azerbaijan revealed high rates of malnutrition and anemia among both the IDP/R and resident populations and prompted further study of the nutritional status of these populations. This report summarizes results of a 2001 survey of IDP/R and non-IDP/R mothers and children with anemia in Azerbaijan. Findings indicated that more than one third of mothers and children were anemic, with no significant difference in the overall prevalence between IDP/R and non-IDP/R populations; however, among the IDP/R population, anemia was associated with various socioeconomic factors such as education, socioeconomic status (SES), and area of residence. Future studies should focus on identifying causes for the high rates of anemia in Azerbaijan and developing effective interventions such as iron supplementation and behavior modification.

Adult↗

[Characteristics of the distribution of the markers of hepatitis B vir us infection among the healthy population of the Tadzhik SSR and Azerbaijan SSR].

A total of 708 healthy persons in Tajikistan and 576 healthy persons in Azerbaijan, these groups comprising persons of both sexes and different age groups, were examined by the method of double gel immunodiffusion (the gel precipitation test) and by the passive hemagglutination test for the presence of the markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HBsAg and HBeAg) and antibodies to them. This investigation showed that, in accordance with the level of hepatitis B morbidity, HBsAg was significantly more often detected among the population in Tajikistan (7.2%) than in Azerbaijan (2.8%). In both republics HBV carriers occurred most frequently among children aged 1-4 years (4.0% in Azerbaijan and 13.9% in Tajikistan), and among men more frequently than among women. In accordance with different intensity of the spread of HBV infection in the territories under comparison, differences in the age structure of the immune population were noted: in Tajikistan the formation of the immune layer occurred most frequently among younger age groups and in Azerbaijan, among senior adult age groups. The presence of a considerable percentage of persons with HBe-antigenemia (14.3-14.9% as determined by the gel precipitation test) among HBV carriers, observed in Tajikistan and in Azerbaijan, indicates that some of them have undetected chronic hepatitis B.

Adolescent↗

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax isolates from Azerbaijan.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax, although causing a less serious disease than Plasmodium falciparum, is the most widespread of the four human malarial species. Further to the recent recrudescence of P. vivax cases in the Newly Independent States (NIS) of central Asia, a survey on the genetic diversity and dissemination in Azerbaijan was undertaken. Azerbaijan is at the crossroads of Asia and, as such, could see a rise in the number of cases, although an effective malaria control programme has been established in the country. METHODS: Thirty-six P. vivax isolates from Central Azerbaijan were characterized by analysing the genetic polymorphism of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) genes, using PCR amplifications and amplicons sequencing. RESULTS: Analysis of CSP sequences showed that all the processed isolates belong to the VK 210 type, with variations in the alternation of alanine residue (A) or aspartic acid residue (D) in the repeat motif GDRA(A/D)GQPA along the sequence. As far as MSP-1 genotyping is concerned, it was found that the majority of isolates analysed belong to Belem and Sal I types. Five recombinant isolates were also identified. Combined analysis with the two genetic markers allowed the identification of 19 plasmodial sub-types. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study indicate that there are several P. vivax clones circulating in Azerbaijan and, consequently, a careful malaria surveillance could be of paramount importance to identify, at early stage, the occurrence of possible P. vivax malaria outbreaks.

Adolescent↗

The frequencies of the serum amyloid A2 alleles in healthy (Turkish, Azerbaijan and Kazakh) populations.

The Amyloid A1 (AA1) and A2 (AA2) proteins, which result from proteolytic cleavage of the Serum Amyloid A1 (SAA1) and A2 (SAA2) proteins, are major protein components of the Amyloid A deposits found in secondary amyloidosis. This study determines frequency of serum amyloid A2 alleles (alpha, beta) in healthy Turkish, Azerbaijan and Kazakh subjects. Two hundred Turkish, sixty five Azerbaijan and sixty five Kazakh healthy individuals were studied by previously described the PCR-RFLP methods. Our data revealed that the frequencies of the alpha and beta alleles at the SAA2 locus in the Turkish healthy population were different when compared to those in Azerbaijan and Kazakh healthy populations (p = 0.014 and p = 0.02), respectively. In contrast, the difference between alpha and beta alleles at the SAA2 locus was not different in both Kazakh and Azerbaijan healthy populations (p = 0.882).

Adolescent↗

Capacity building for epidemiologic research: a case study in the newly independent state of Azerbaijan.

PURPOSE: Because many emerging economies lack local capacity for scientific research, capacity building has become a priority for many international development organizations. This article describes and critiques an approach used for building local capacity for applied health research in Azerbaijan, one of the newly independent states (NIS) of the former USSR. METHODS: In 2000, environmental epidemiology training courses were conducted in Azerbaijan. Several local participants of these courses received hands-on training in the planning and conduct of a subsequent cancer study as a practical extension of the training exercises. RESULTS: The research demonstrated that international collaboration can not only result in the successful completion of health research in NIS such as Azerbaijan, but also impart research knowledge and experience to local experts. Several practical issues were encountered in the conduct of the training activities that limited their effectiveness. The most desired result (the proposal and conduct of new research by local experts trained through these exercises) has yet to be achieved to the levels expected. CONCLUSIONS: International collaborations such as the approach described here are useful for imparting expertise to researchers in less affluent countries. However, comprehensive capacity building programs providing ongoing professional development, support, and an enabling environment, rather than scientific training alone, are required to achieve long-term sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Azerbaijan↗

A report of women's birth experiences in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The findings from a survey exploring women's perceptions of their care during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period in Baku, Azerbaijan, initiated by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, are reported here. In the former Soviet Union, on which the perinatal health care systems of Azerbaijan are based, care for women during the perinatal period was based on using available technology and on a physician-centred model of care. Women's perceptions of their care were infrequently if ever sought or heeded. As healthcare systems are being strengthened in these countries, there is an increasing interest in providing a woman-centered or family-centered approach to care as well as offering appropriate medical care birthing procedures. This study explores the progress made in Azerbaijan in implementing such changes since the introduction of a perinatal reform process a few years ago. Findings indicate some significant deviations from traditional maternity care practices in Baku since the breakdown of the Soviet Union. A more humanistic and evidence-based approach to care is being introduced. It is evident that maternity houses in Baku are also providing better support for infant feeding than many of their former Soviet Union counterparts indicating the effective implementation of the principles of breastfeeding encouraged through the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative program in that country.

Adolescent↗

Epidemic diphtheria in the 1990s: Azerbaijan.

The diphtheria epidemic in the former Soviet Union reached Azerbaijan in 1991, when 66 cases of diphtheria were reported, a number that compared with 4 cases in 1990. From 1990-1996, 2182 cases of diphtheria and 286 diphtheria fatalities (case fatality rate: 13.1%) were reported in Azerbaijan, primarily among persons 5-39 years of age. Almost 45% of cases and 61% of deaths occurred among children 5-14 years of age. The high burden of severe disease among children and young adults suggested a different pattern of preexisting immunity against diphtheria in the Azerbaijani population than was observed in the concurrent diphtheria epidemic in Russia. Because resources were limited in Azerbaijan, mass immunization of the population was carried out in stages, focusing initially on school-aged children. Mass immunization campaigns targeting children were moderately successful in stabilizing the epidemic; mass immunization campaigns targeting both adults and children were eventually needed to fully stop the epidemic.

Adolescent↗

Iodine deficiency in Azerbaijan after the discontinuation of an iodine prophylaxis program: reassessment of iodine intake and goiter prevalence in schoolchildren.

The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency (ID) in Azerbaijan after the discontinuation of an iodine prophylaxis program by assessing the prevalence of goiter, iodine intake, and thyroid function. The study included 942 schoolchildren (475 boys and 467 girls) ages 8-14 years, from 13 distinct regions. The survey included the following: (1) clinical evaluation; (2) assessment of thyroid volume both by ultrasound and by palpation; (3) determination of iodide in a morning urine specimen using the classic Sandel-Kolthoff reaction in 347 schoolchildren; (4) determinations of thyrotropin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroglobulin (Tg), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in serum (n = 165) and TSH in whole blood spotted on filter paper (n = 942). The prevalence of goiter for the whole country was determined by ultrasound (US) to be 86% and by palpation 66%, reaching 100% in the mountainous regions of Caucasus. The median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was 54 microg/L, reaching level of 26 and 39 microg/L in the Caucasus region. In conclusion, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, Azerbaijan now has mild to moderate ID (median UIE, 54 microg/L) and in the mountainous regions with severe ID. The high prevalence of goiter and the low UIE emphasizes the need for urgent medical reintervention. An iodination program is now implemented by our team in the mountainous regions under the auspice of the government of Azerbaijan.

Adolescent↗

[Cholera in the Republic of Azerbaijan].

The data characterizing the epidemiological aspects of cholera in Azerbaijan at the period of pandemics I-VI are presented and the specific epidemiological features of pandemic VII of this infection are considered. The study revealed that cholera repeatedly penetrated Russia through the territory of Azerbaijan. The existence of two variants of Vibrio cholerae eltor was substantiated: the epidemic variant having the gene of cholera toxin and the nonepidemic variant having no such gene, which caused, respectively, outbreak and sporadic morbidity in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan↗

Systematic analysis of animals used in medieval Azerbaijan medicine.

In order to study the special composition of animals used in the medieval medicine of Azerbaijan, a wide range of medieval sources on medicine and pharmacognosy from the collection of the Institute of Manuscripts of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences in Baku has been studied. About 40 medieval sources from the 10-18th centuries including 17 manuscripts in Turkic, Persian and Arabic have been selected as the objects of this study. As a result, 150 species of animals described in medieval Azerbaijani books on medicine and pharmacy have been identified. Many of the identified animals are mammals, (47 species or 31% of total number of identified species). The medieval authors describe 12 species of reptiles and 4 species of Amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders and tree-frogs (Hyla arborea). 15 species of fishes described in medieval manuscripts have been identified. The identified molluscs are cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), mussel (Mytilus edulis), octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and snail (Helix pomatia). Most crustaceans used in medieval Azerbaijan medicine belong to Decopoda. Medieval manuscripts contain numerous names of various worms and insects (ants, flies, beetles, etc.), however their exact identification is rather difficult. As usual, medieval authors unite a number of species under one name and do not give sufficient information about their morphology. Results of the research create grounds for the idea that the recommendations of the medieval authors on the medicinal application of animals can be applied to modern medicine once they have been experimentally and clinically tested.

Animals↗

IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from East Azerbaijan Province of Iran.

To investigate the genetic variation among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in the East Azerbaijan Province of Iran and to evaluate the level of and risk factors for recent transmission of tuberculosis (TB), we performed IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of strains, isolated from 105 patients during the period of September 2002 to March 2003 in TB centers and university hospitals of the province. Among 105 isolates, 81 different IS6110 patterns were found, of which 70 were observed only once and 11 were shared by two to eight isolates. Ninety-six isolates (91.4%) were found to have more than five copies of IS6110 and together with high patterns polymorphism, shows that IS6110-RFLP typing could be useful for studying the epidemiology of TB in Azerbaijan. The minimum estimated rate of recent transmission was 23%, suggesting that the degree of recent transmission in East Azerbaijan Province is relatively low. Clustering was not associated with age, sex or site of infection of TB but drug-resistant isolates were less likely to be clustered than sensitive isolates (p < 0.05).

Adult↗

Chromosomal damage in two species of aquatic turtles (Emys orbicularis and Mauremys caspica) inhabiting contaminated sites in Azerbaijan.

The Caspian region and specifically the Apsheron peninsula of Azerbaijan are known to be polluted with a variety of environmental contaminants. These complex mixtures of contaminants make risk assessment difficult. We used the flow cytometry method (FCM) and the micronucleus assay (MN) to assess chromosomal damage in aquatic turtles (Emys orbicularis, the European pond turtle; and Mauremys caspica, the Caspian turtle) inhabiting contaminated wetlands in Azerbaijan. Evidence of genetic damage was found for two sites, Neftchala and Sumgayit, relative to a reference site, Ali Bairamly. Sediment samples from each site were analyzed for PAHs and mercury to evaluate potential contaminant associations with genetic damage. A significant positive correlation was documented between three-ring PAH sediment concentrations and FCM estimates of chromosomal damage in E. orbicularis. These data combine to show that the contaminated wetlands in Sumgayit and Neftchala are genotoxic and that three-ring PAHs are likely a significant influence on observed genotoxicity.

Animals↗

Evidence for the existence of the PAF acetylhydrolase mutation (Val279Phe) in non-Japanese populations: a preliminary study in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Deficiency of plasma platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase resulting from a missense mutation (Val279Phe) in exon 9 of the gene has been described exclusively in the Japanese population with a very high frequency. This study describes the distribution of the mutation in Turkey and two other Turkic nations, Kyrgyzstan in central Asia and Azerbaijan bordering the Caspian Sea. Among 358 unrelated healthy subjects studied from Turkish population, only 3 had the mutation in heterozygous state (0.84%). Family studies also revealed the presence of homozygous individuals in close relatives of one of these subjects. Among 143 healthy subjects studied from Kyrgyzstan, 12 were heterozygous for the mutation (8.4%). No mutation was detected among 100 healthy individuals studied from Azerbaijan. However, it was suggested that the number of subjects was not enough to draw any conclusion about the prevalence of the mutation in the populations studied. Contrary to the previous notions, identification of the mutation in Turkey and Kyrgyzstan shows the existence of the mutation in non-Japanese populations as well.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗