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Biomedical subjects

L Davies

Publications and source records attributed to L Davies.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Nutrition and the elderly: identifying those at risk.

At present our interpretation of dietary, biochemical and clinical findings is still inadequate to diagnose marginal or subclinical malnutrition in the elderly. There are two main types of nutritional risk; the first is long-standing, against which early-warning signs and early preventive action are needed. The second type of nutritional risk may be sudden, following medical or social stress. This calls for prompt action at that critical stage. Given the means to implement research findings, practical action can be taken by the Health and Social Services, relations, friends and the elderly themselves. It is necessary to take practical action against nutritional risks at an early stage. For this reason, our current longitudinal study is concentrated on men and women at the age of retirement from work.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

Three-year follow-up of couples evaluated for sexual dysfunction.

The present status of 49 couples who three years previously had been evaluated but not treated at a clinic for sexual dysfunction was determined by a self-report assessment battery. The battery consisted of the Sexual Interaction Inventory, the Locke-Wallace Marriage Inventory and the Sexual History Form completed at initial evaluation and follow-up. An additional Follow-up Questionnaire was completed at post only. Approximately 52% of the men and 54% of the women reported receiving therapy during the period between initial intake and follow-up. Analysis of male data revealed that with the exceptions of estimates of mate satisfaction and marital happiness, all other variables measuring sexual behaviors and attitudes did not show significant changes over time. Men who received subsequent therapy reported significantly more erectile difficulty at both intake and follow-up than their nontreated counterparts. In contrast, women showed significant improvement over time in sexual satisfaction, acceptance of mate, and ability to achieve orgasm through a wider variety of means. These improvements were reported by women who had therapy during the interim period as well as women who had not had therapy. Repeated measured ANOVAs and t-test analyses were performed examining the effects of male dysfunction on female functioning. Interpretations of the differences in change noted over time between women and men are offered as well as suggestions for future research.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

A and B blood group antigen expression on mixed colony cells and erythroid precursors: relevance for human allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

Using anti-A and anti-B blood group monoclonal antibodies and fluorescent activated cell sorting of human bone marrow, A (or B) blood group antigen was shown to be on 5.2 +/- 5.9 (mean +/- SD) % of CFU-GEMM and 12.5 +/- 19.6% of the erythroid burst forming cells (designated BFU-GEMM) as defined by the mixed colony assay, and 49.5 +/- 20% of the BFU-E and 83.5 +/- 9.9% of the CFU-E as defined by the erythroid colony assay. This antigen expression on the BFU-GEMM is consistent with the concept that erythroid bursts stimulated by leucocyte conditioned medium are less mature, and are closer in development to the pluripotent stem cell than the BFU-E. These results help to explain the delayed erythropoiesis, and perhaps impaired engraftment of all cell lineages, that may occur in some recipients of ABO incompatible bone marrow transplants with persistent and high anti-A titres.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1984

Factors contributing to vitamin D status near retirement age.

As part of a larger survey assessing health and wellbeing in men and women at retirement age, vitamin D status was examined. The sample of 110 men and women participated in a week's weighed dietary survey, with extensive interviews including socio-economic background and the collection of medical information and blood samples. Estimations of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) were included among the analyses, and were related to dietary intakes and sunlight exposure, including recent holidays in the sun. The results emphasize the major importance of ultraviolet light on the skin. Fortified and unfortified foods, as well as other variables possibly affecting vitamin D status, were investigated. It was found that a weekly consumption of fatty fish maintained adequate plasma 25-OHD levels in those whose exposure to sunlight was poor. It is concluded that positive action taken at a time of change, ie, retirement from work, may sustain the adequate vitamin D status shown in this sample.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1984

Simultaneous use of four methods of estimating food consumption.

As part of a four-year longitudinal study examining changes in nutrient intakes, eating patterns, lifestyle and health on individuals before and after retirement from work, accurate assessments of customary food and beverage intakes were essential. This paper shows that by using four techniques simultaneously, a number of discrepancies were exposed, even though the subjects had filled in their records meticulously. Together they provide data more truly representative of what each individual eats. The techniques included: a week's weighed dietary record; a recall of customary food and beverages consumed throughout a typical day; key questions relating to foods and drinks (including alcohol) within a general questionnaire; and lists giving the frequency of consumption of specific foods and drinks.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

Longitudinal study on elderly recipients of meals-on-wheels.

A second nutrition study was undertaken on sever survivors who had originally participated in a survey in 1970 of 100 people in receipt of meals-on wheels because of nutritional and/or social risk. The original and follow-up studies included a seven-day weighed dietary intake, socio-economic questionnaires and detailed case records. In 1980 these very elderly subjects were maintaining their original energy and nutrient intakes, in spite of deteriorating health and physical capabilities. They had retained an interest in food and continued a similar style of eating. Even when intakes were low, there were no long gaps in the day without food or drink.

Aged↗
PubMed1981

Changing food habits among 100 elderly men and women in the United Kingdom.

One hundred elderly men and women were interviewed, using a specially designed questionnaire to uncover possible alterations in food habits with regard to specific food items, and the reasons for these changes. Over half the sample had changed the type of bread used; the main reasons for change to brown or wholemeal were health and taste. Health was also the main reason given by the 26 per cent who had changed to a higher-fibre breakfast cereal. Thirty-eight had altered the type of milk consumed; 12 subjects were now using dried milk for reasons of health, including weight reduction. Forty-three percent had altered their usage of butter or margarine; butter was mainly selected for its taste, margarine mainly for health, but also taste and price. Other important reasons for change were the ease of obtaining convenience foods, the availability of familiar foods in one or two portion sizes, changes in family circumstances, and a desire for variety and ease of use, even if it involved an alteration in traditional cooking methods. Although it is often thought that the elderly are resistant to dietary change, there was no individual who had not made some alteration of food habits.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

Menstrual respiratory changes and symptoms.

The duration of standardised overbreathing required to produce slow wave activity in the EEG during different phases of the menstrual cycle has been studied, and changes in carbon dioxide sensitivity of the respiratory system. Normal subjects developed slow waves more quickly and had more sensitive CO2 responses during the premenstrual/menstrual phases. This may be a factor contributing to premenstrual tension.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

An at-risk concept used in homes for the elderly in the United Kingdom.

In Great Britain, the matrons, often without training in catering or nutrition, are usually confronted with the responsibility of planning menus in homes for the elderly. They face the problems of budgeting restrictions, increases in food prices, staff shortages, and low wages for staff. Previous nutrition surveys of the elderly have isolated special concerns with intakes of ascorbic acid, potassium, energy, protein, vitamin D, and iron. This pilot study explores the next step: The practical applications of these findings to residential homes. Questionnaires were devised to obtain information from the matron, cooks, and residents and from the investigators' general observations. Specific at-risk factors were isolated, taking into account administrative, psychologic, and social conditions, as well as food. By a system of grading (with comments) into low, moderate, or high nutritional risk to residents, the strengths of each home could be used as positive examples to improve other homes; appropriate advice could then be given to each home.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

A technique for assessing nutritional 'at-risk' factors in residential homes for the elderly.

A technique for assessing the degree of nutritional risk to residents in old people's homes is outlined. Administrative, psychological and social factors are considered as well as food. Twenty-six risk factors are identified. In one short visit, using questionnaires to the matron, cook and the residents and a check-list of general observations, the degree of risk, high, moderate or low, can be assessed. The technique has been used in a pilot study for comparisons between homes, and for advice to individual homes.

Aged↗