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S Lings

Publications and source records attributed to S Lings.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Driving accident frequency increased in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the ability to drive safely. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 10-year historical cohort register-study on 197 patients with MS and 545 controls individually matched on age, gender, place of residence, and exposure period. Persons with other neurological diseases, diabetes or abuse were excluded. The outcome measure was treatment at the emergency department after accident as a car driver. RESULTS: Five patients and four controls had been treated, the rate per 1000 person-years with exposure being 3.4 times higher (CI 0.73-17.15) in the patients than in the control cohort. The difference is significant in one-sided test (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Drivers with MS were treated more often than healthy controls at a casualty department after having a road traffic accident. However, drastic consequences regarding the patients automobile driving should be avoided until these results have been substantiated by further investigations.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2001

Increased driving accident frequency in Danish patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine driving accident frequency in a cohort of patients with epilepsy. METHODS: A 10-year historical cohort register study of 159 subjects with epilepsy and 559 controls individually matched for age, gender, place of residence, and exposure period was carried out. All had nonprofessional driver's licenses without restrictions. Persons with recorded diagnoses of other neurologic diseases, diabetes, psychoses, seizures, abuse, or poisoning of any kind were not included. The outcome measure was treatment at the casualty department after an accident as a car driver. RESULTS: Ten patients with epilepsy and five controls had been treated at the casualty department, the rate per 1,000 person-years with exposure being seven times higher (CI 2.18 to 26.13) in those with epilepsy than in the control cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers with epilepsy are more likely than healthy controls to be treated at a casualty department after having a motor vehicle accident.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2000

Whole-body vibration and low back pain: a systematic, critical review of the epidemiological literature 1992-1999.

OBJECTIVES: A previous extensive review of the literature including that from the middle of 1992 concluded that whole-body vibrations may contribute to low back pain, but that the exposure-response relationship had not been clarified. We reviewed the literature of the past 7 years to find out: (i) whether there is evidence in the recent epidemiological literature for a causal association between whole-body vibrations and low back pain, and (ii) if there is evidence in the recent literature for a dose-response relationship between whole-body vibrations and low back pain. METHODS: All relevant epidemiological articles which were obtained through a search in the databases MEDLINE, OSH-ROM and TOXLINE, and through personal communication, were reviewed independently by the two authors, using a checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-four original articles concerning the association between whole-body vibrations and the lower back were retained for use. The quality of the papers was mostly low, but improved with time. Only seven articles passed our predetermined quality criteria. Of the seven reports, one showed increased frequency of lumbar prolapse in occupational drivers, and six showed low back pain to be more frequent in whole-body vibration-exposed groups. Only two out of the four articles reporting on dose, showed a dose-response association. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of definite evidence, we found sufficient reasons for the reduction of whole-body vibration-exposure to the lowest possible level. If new knowledge is to be produced, good prospective studies with repeated measurements of exposure, analyses of work postures, and clear definitions and subgroupings of low back pain are needed. Other research in this field should be given up, and the resources used for more important issues, as the size of the problem of whole body vibration is probably on the decrease because of the technical prophylactic developments that are already in progress.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Is sitting-while-at-work associated with low back pain? A systematic, critical literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To present a critical review and evaluate recent reports investigating sitting-while-at-work as a risk factor for low back pain (LBP). METHODS: The Medline, Embase and OSH-ROM databases were searched for articles dealing with sitting at work in relation to low back pain for the years 1985-97. The studies were divided into those dealing with sitting-while-working and those dealing with sedentary occupations. Each article was systematically abstracted for core items. The quality of each article was determined based on the representativeness of the study sample, the definition of LBP, and the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-five reports were identified, 14 dealing with sitting-while-working and 21 with sedentary occupations. Eight studies were found to have a representative sample, a clear definition of LBP and a clear statistical analysis. Regardless of quality, all but one of the studies failed to find a positive association between sitting-while-working and LBP. High quality studies found a marginally negative association for sitting compared to diverse workplace exposures, e.g. standing, driving, lifting bending, and compared to diverse occupations. One low quality study associated sitting in a poor posture with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: The extensive recent epidemiological literature does not support the popular opinion that sitting-while-at-work is associated with LBP.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1999

[Myoses].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗
PubMed1999

[Working environment in Danish veterinary clinics].

Occupational health risks to veterinary personnel have been recognized in other countries. We have investigated the situation in Denmark by use of a questionnaire sent to 654 veterinarians identified through telephone books. Seventy-one percent responded. Two-thirds used inhalational anaesthesia; one-half had noticed the smell of gas, mostly one to four times per week, others even more frequently. Room ventilation existed in 85% of the clinics, local exhaust in 68% of those using anaesthetic gases. Eighty-one percent worked with X-rays, almost all using lead aprons, 83% lead gloves; two-thirds always carried film badges, the rest only occasionally; 4.4% had shown exposure within the last five years. One half applied insecticides two-thirds frequently other powders, creams or ointments. Almost everybody applied antibiotics, one-fourth local analgesics. Eighty-eight percent wore gloves in various contexts, though only 5% wore gloves consistently on animal contact. In conclusion, occupational hazards are identified, with obvious possibilities for improvements at reasonable costs.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Coding of occupation for the "young cohort" of the Danish twin register. A resource for future epidemiologic research.

OBJECTIVES: Information on health-related outcomes and exposures is available in user-friendly computerized format for the "young cohort" of the Danish Twin Register born 1953-82. We incorporated occupation information within the database to facilitate future job-related studies. METHODS: Occupation information for the 29,430 twins responding to a mailed questionnaire in 1995 was coded according to DISCO-88. The subjects were classified in three ways depending on the information available: directly from the 2,196 job titles listed in the DISCO-88 handbook, according to a set of predetermined rules, or by consensus if ambiguous information was provided. Two percent (2%) of the sample was recoded independently by two investigators to demonstrate coding consistency. RESULTS: Occupation could be directly coded using job titles for 61% of the sample; 15% were coded according to a set of rules or by consensus; 24% could not be coded. The recoded sample was 99% in agreement with the original coding. CONCLUSION: Occupation information has been incorporated within the extensive health-related database for the "young cohort" of the Danish Twin Register. This resource is available to researchers for future studies concerning occupation, health, and heredity using (1) the existing data (2) via linkage to other Danish databases, or (3) by contacting selected subjects directly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Whole body vibrations and low back pain].

Whether exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) in transport vehicles and moving machinery constitutes a health risk is unclear. The literature on this subject is vast, but most is of limited scientific value. A recent review covering the literature up to 1992 has been used as a basis for a further search concerning the period 1992-1996. Fifty-three articles were found: 14 epidemiological studies, 15 human laboratory experiments, four animal experiments, seven field studies and 13 reviews. Almost all epidemiological studies yielded insufficient information and had methodological shortcomings. Of the reviews, only three were critical. Experimental data support the hypothesis that WBV can have a negative effect on the spine. Epidemiological studies have shown drivers to have an increased prevalence of low back pain, probably in a dose-related fashion. Hence, it is likely that long-term exposure to WBV can contribute to back disorders. Present studies do not allow for a quantitative specification of the association between exposure and effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Occupational accidents in road traffic].

An emergency room material covering 13 years (1980-92) was analyzed to see whether occupational accidents in road traffic had been following special patterns revealing possibilities for prevention. Of 41,332 traffic accident victims, every year 2.3-4.2% had sustained their injuries during working hours. Males were overrepresented, the male to female sex ratio was 2.9 for occupational accidents, 1.6 for non-occupational accidents. The age group 15-19 years accounted for a relatively large share of both occupational and non-occupational accidents. There were no differences according to body distribution of injuries, severity or need for treatment between occupational and non-occupational accidents. In occupational accidents more automobiles but fewer bicycles and motorbikes were involved. No type of accident showed increasing tendency throughout the period. It is concluded, that occupational road traffic accidents do not seem to follow special patterns, and the proportion is not increasing. Although the younger age groups were overrepresented, the limited material does not give grounds for elevating the age limit for occupational car driving, as for extent of exposure in the single age groups is not known.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1996

[Occupational environment in veterinary clinics].

In veterinary clinics many drugs and materials are handled, for instance antibiotics, disinfectants and anaesthetic gases. The staff is in close contact with various animal species and performs surgical and obstetrical operations as well as post mortem examinations. X-ray is used widely. Some investigations have indicated, that the working environment has incurred little attention. For example, X-ray equipment has been found defective and air-extraction insufficient in connection with anaesthesias. Consequently the potential for work-related health problems is obvious. The few epidemiologic investigations done indicate an increased frequency of toxic and allergic skin diseases, asthma and certain infections such as ornithosis. As general prophylaxis, better arrangement of the clinics, alterations of drug administration forms and use of gloves and other protective devices are recommended. It is concluded, that the existing knowledge about the working environment in Danish veterinary clinics is scarce, that it may imply health risks, and that further investigation of the question is needed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Carbon monoxide poisoning from a natural gas burner].

The use of natural gas as a heating source in private homes in Denmark is increasing. Previous case reports describe carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of poor maintenance. Another case is reported here. The family experienced episodes of carbon monoxide intoxication. The woman was six weeks pregnant. Inspection of the gas burner revealed an air inlet blocked by rust debris. Following counselling, the woman elected to have an abortion. Review of the current literature indicates that severe, short-term exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy may result in foetal death or serious toxic effects. The current Danish legislation does not specify regular maintenance checks, which are needed to safeguard against future accidents.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1994

[Milker's hand].

The predominant skin problems in cattle-breeders are toxic and allergic eczemas, with cleansers, water, rubber, disinfectants and fodder being the most frequent provoking factors. The Danish register of occupational diseases yields information based on notifications during the years 1984-1992. Detailed data especially concerning dairy farms are not obtainable, but during the whole period 101 hand-skin diseases in farmers and farming assistants were notified, 12-23 annually in recent years. This number is not alarming, but there is general agreement that underreporting is significant. The main elements of prevention are 1) reduction of harmful actions and 2) optimization of skin resistance. Among the steps that ought to be taken immediately are reduction of contact with cleansing and disinfective agents through change of working methods and behaviour. Alteration of tools, for instance substitution of rubber with less sensibilizing materials, is desirable.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1994

Antimicrobial antibodies in Danish slaughterhouse workers and greenhouse workers.

As a consequence of contact with animals and animal products slaughterhouse workers might be at risk of infection with pathogenic microorganisms. This hypothesis has been supported by some earlier studies. In this study 217 slaughtermen and a control group of 113 greenhouse workers were investigated for the prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter jejuni (IgA and IgG), Yersinia enterocolitica types 3 and 9, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis types I, II, III, IV, and V, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Borrelia burgdorferi. No significant differences were found concerning either frequency of positive tests or magnitude of titers. The prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies was remarkably high in both groups.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1994

Nitrosamine formation via non-prescription drugs?

Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic nitrosamines can be formed under physiological conditions in the human body by a reaction between nitrite and secondary or tertiary amines. A large number of people are exposed daily through drinking water to high levels of nitrate, which can be reduced to nitrite. Moreover, nitrate and nitrite are present in vegetables and nitrite is used in food preservation. Dietary exposure to amines is normally below 100 mg per day, whereas paracetamol and antazolin, both secondary amines, are used therapeutically at much higher doses. Knowledge about the possible interactions between these widely used drugs and the background exposure to nitrite is presently not available. Therefore, an evaluation of the carcinogenic hazard related to this combination is needed.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1993

[Nitrosamine formation via non-prescription drugs?].

Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic nitrosamines can be formed under physiological conditions in the human body as a reaction between nitrite and a secondary or tertiary amine. A major part of the population is exposed daily through drinking water to high levels of nitrate, which can be reduced to nitrite. Moreover, nitrate and nitrite are both present in vegetables and nitrite is used in food preservation. Dietary exposure to amines is normally well below 100 mg per day, whereas paracetamol and antazoline, both secondary amines, are used therapeutically at much higher doses. Knowledge about the possible interactions between these widely used drugs and the background exposure to nitrite is presently not available. Therefore, an evaluation of the carcinogenic hazard related to this combination is needed.

Acetaminophen↗