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PubMed1989

The effect of domestic factors on respiratory symptoms and FEV1.

This study was conducted to determine whether indoor air pollution factors affected respiratory function and symptoms in 1357 non-smoking Caucasian children. Interviews were conducted to determine: exposure to pets and to gases, vapours and dusts from hobbies; the use of gas stoves; fireplaces, air conditioners and humidifiers; type of heating systems; and the number of residents, and the number of smokers in the home. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was obtained from maximum expiratory flow volume curves, and symptoms from the application of a standardized questionnaire. Indoor pets and the use of fireplaces and humidifiers had no consistent relationships with FEV1 when considered individually or in combination with the other factors. Hobbies, the use of gas stoves, the absence of air conditioning, the use of hot water heating, crowded homes, and the presence of smokers in the home all had negative relationships with FEV1. The largest effect on lung function was observed in children from homes with hot water heating systems, whereas the smallest effect was observed in children with smokers in the home. Children who lived in homes with hot water heating systems with no air conditioning had mean FEV1 of up to 0.4 litres lower than did their counterparts who lived in homes with forced air heating and air conditioning. Pets, heating systems, cooking fuel, crowding and passive smoking showed no consistent effects on the reporting of any of the symptoms. Girls who were exposed to the emissions from indoor hobbies reported more phlegm, wheeze and dyspnoea.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

From bipedalism to bicyclism: evolution in energetics and biomechanics of historic bicycles.

We measured the metabolic cost (C) and mechanical work of riding historic bicycles at different speeds: these bicycles included the Hobby Horse (1820s), the Boneshaker (1860s), the High Wheeler (1870s), the Rover (1880s), the Safety (1890s) and a modern bicycle (1980s) as a mean of comparison. The rolling resistance and air resistance of each vehicle were assessed. The mechanical internal work (W(INT)) was measured from three-dimensional motion analysis of the Hobby Horse and modern bicycle moving on a treadmill at different speeds. The equation obtained from the modern bicycle data was applied to the other vehicles. We found the following results. (i) Apart from the Rover, which was introduced for safety reasons, every newly invented bicycle improved metabolic economy. (ii) The rolling resistance decreased with subsequent designs while the frontal area and, hence, aerodynamic drag was fairly constant (except for the High Wheeler). (iii) The saddle-assisted body weight relief (which was inaugurated by the Hobby Horse) was responsible for most of the reduction in metabolic cost compared with walking or running. Further reductions in C were due to decreases in stride/pedalling frequency and, hence, W(INT) at the same speeds. (iv) The introduction of gear ratios allowed the use of pedalling frequencies that optimize the power/contraction velocity properties of the propulsive muscles. As a consequence, net mechanical efficiency (the ratio between the total mechanical work and C) was almost constant (0.273 +/- 0.015s.d.) for all bicycle designs, despite the increase in cruising speed. In the period from 1820 to 1890, improved design of bicycles increased the metabolically equivalent speed by threefold compared with walking at an average pace of ca. + 0.5 ms(-1) per decade [corrected]. The speed gain was the result of concurrent technological advancements in wheeled, human-powered vehicles and of 'smart' adaptation of the same actuator (the muscle) to different operational conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Factors related to functional capacity in community dwelling elderly people].

PURPOSE: To clarify the content of support for healthy aging, we analyzed age-related changes in functional capacity and factors affecting the maintenance based on a health status survey in elderly people, and also evaluated the results of a survey on functional capacity, living habits, and health in leaders in elderly people's clubs. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was carried out with (1) 1,000 randomly selected elderly subjects aged > or = 65 years and (2) 122 leaders in elderly people's clubs to evaluate functional capacity according to The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, feeling of happiness according to the morale scale established by Lawton, living habits, and health. Factors affecting functional capacity were identified by stepwise multiple longistic regression analysis. In addition, the elderly people's club leader group and an age- and sex-matched control group were compared. RESULTS: 1) Functional capacity decreased with age, this being more marked in the females than in the males. In particular, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living markedly decreased in the females at late ages. 2) Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the following positive and negative factors associated with the maintenance of a high functional capacity (functional capacity score > or = 12). The positive factors were: 1. hobbies, 2. living with the spouse, 3. habitual exercise, 4. positive acceptance of aging, 5. psychological stability, 6. diets with consideration of nutritional balance, 7. busy life, and 8. talking with friends and acquaintances once a week or more. The negative factors were: 1. belonging to a higher age groups, 2. living alone, and 3. smoking. 3) In the elderly people's club leader group, the age-related decline was gradual, and functional capacity was maintained at later ages. The group leaders typically 1. had hobbies, 2. went out almost everyday, 3. exercised almost every day, 4. talked with friends and relatives almost every day, 5. had active roles, 6. were busy, and 7. considered themselves to be healthy more frequently than the control group. The leader group also showed 8. a higher total morale scale score and 9. a higher score for positive acceptance of aging as a subscale than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that nutrition balance, habitual exercise, hobbies, social roles, frequent contacts with others, positive acceptance of aging, and psychological stability are important for maintaining functional capacity in the maintenance of functional capacity. Early preventive measures are necessary to combat decline in functional capacity, particularly regarding Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, in females at later ages.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Effects of shift changes on female workers at a dish factory.

This study investigated the effects of working night shifts on social and family life by examining changes in workers' daily life before and after a change in their shifts. Subjects were 40 women aged 27-59 years, working at a dish factory. During the health examination of night workers in autumn of 2000, the subjects were directly interviewed about changes in their lives induced by the shift change. Question parameters consisted of 8 items including 30 sub-items related to social and family life, such as sleep, rest, meals, sports, family time, hobbies, neighborhood association and social activities. The subjects selected one of four response categories: "becoming worse", "no change", "becoming better" and "difficult to determine." With regard to the percentage of "becoming worse", meal-related items ranked high in all of the shift types. "Family time" and "hobbies" showed high percentages in the subjects transferring from day shifts to night shifts, and in those transferring from early-morning shifts to night shifts. "Rest", "sports" and "hobbies" showed high percentages in the subjects transferring from night shifts to midnight shifts. Decreased sleeping hours were confirmed in all of the shift types, while the subjects tended to sleep more soundly. As the workers transfer to shifts at earlier hours, they were obliged to make sacrifices in various aspects of their social and family life. Therefore, much assistance in this regard should be given to them.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Social and environmental factors and atypical depression in old age.

This community-based epidemiological survey is concerned with relationships between social and environmental factors and atypical depression in a Finnish population aged 60 years or over. The occurrence of atypical depression was related to older age, widowed or divorced marital status, having moved during the previous few years, living in a small dwelling near the local population center, having neighbors living in the same building, living alone, being frequently alone, a low number of hobbies and many long-standing or current social stress factors. In addition, the atypical depressive persons felt that elderly people were not appreciated. The log-linear model constructed for atypical depressive persons revealed five subgroups. The first was characterized by living alone and being widowed or divorced, the second by living alone and having a low number of hobbies and a high incidence of long-standing social stress factors, the third by being frequently alone and being widowed or divorced, the fourth by a low number of hobbies and a low incidence of actual social stress factors, and the fifth by living alone and having a high incidence of long-standing social stress factors and a low incidence of actual social stress factors.

Adjustment Disorders↗
PubMed1996

Maternal medications and environmental exposures as risk factors for gastroschisis.

In a case-control study of gastroschisis, we evaluated the risks associated with mother's first-trimester use of medications and with hobby or occupational exposures for 110 cases and 220 controls without a birth defect. Mothers of cases and controls were age-matched. For hobby or occupational exposures, we found significantly elevated risks for high levels of solvents (odds ratio (OR) = 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-9.2) and for colorants (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.0). For medications, we found significantly elevated risks for two strong cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.2-18.1) and ibuprofen (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.0-16.0), but not for acetaminophen, a weak cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Periconceptional exposure to X rays was also associated with gastroschisis (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.2-5.5), but exposure to antibiotics, antinauseants, sulfonamides, or oral contraceptives was not. We also found elevated risks for two decongestants, pseudoephedrine (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 0.8-5.5) and phenylpropanolamine (OR = 10.0; 95% CI = 1.2-85.6). For the group of all decongestants, including also oxymetazoline and ephedrine, the risk was significantly elevated (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.0-5.4). Controlling in multivariate analyses for several demographic and pregnancy variables associated with gastroschisis in a previous analysis [Torfs et al. (1994) Teratology 50: 44-53] did not substantially change the level or direction of the associations. Most of these associations are for vasoactive substances, which supports a vascular hypothesis for the pathogenesis of gastroschisis.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2000

The effects of successful intervention on quality of life in patients with varying degrees of lower-limb ischaemia.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the quality of life after successful intervention among patients with varying degrees of lower-limb ischaemia in comparison with healthy controls and the respondents>> degree of sense of coherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: one hundred and twelve patients and 102 healthy controls were assessed for quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile) and sense of coherence. MAIN RESULTS: successful angioplasty or surgical intervention led to an improved quality of life at 6 months, in particular with regard to pain, sleep, physical mobility, hobbies and holiday and to a level similar to healthy controls in sleep, social isolation, paid employment and family relationships. It remained at a significantly lower level than that of healthy controls with regard to pain, emotional reactions, physical mobility, energy, housework, hobbies, holidays, sex and social life. Critical ischaemia patients did not reach the same level of quality of life as the claudicants or the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: successful treatment for chronic limb ischaemia improved the quality of life significantly, more so in claudicants than in patients with critical ischaemia. The degree to which the quality of life improved was associated with the patients>> sense of coherence and their ankle pressure.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Correlation between quality of life and denture satisfaction in elderly complete denture wearers.

PURPOSE: This study was done to clarify the correlation between the quality of life (QOL), defined as overall satisfaction with daily life, and denture satisfaction in elderly complete denture wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new method for quantifying overall satisfaction with daily life (QOL) among 2,079 elderly people (age > or = 65 years) was developed by evaluating the contribution of 13 factors (eating, health problems, daily exercise, fatigue, sleep quality, smooth communication, physical comfort, aging, loneliness, job and hobbies, meaningfulness, social life, and economic problems) to overall daily life satisfaction by a multiple regression analysis. Then, correlation between the QOL and denture satisfaction was analyzed by the regression model in 84 randomly selected complete denture wearers from the above population. RESULTS: Quantification of the QOL was completed by converting category scores to integers between 0 and 100 for eight highly correlated factors (eating, smooth communication, physical comfort, loneliness, job and hobbies, meaningfulness, social life, and economic problems) to overall satisfaction with daily life (P < 0.01). Significant positive correlation was found between the QOL score and denture satisfaction score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Edentulous elderly people who are well satisfied with their daily lives are also satisfied with their complete dentures.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1981

[Philately in the service of rehabilitation (author's transl)].

The first stamps to draw attention to physical impairment were surcharge stamps issued during and after World War 1. A 1931 charity issue offered by the Netherlands post office was made up of postage stamps indicating to the public some of the problems involved in the care of handicapped children. Depiction of the concept of rehabilitation on stamps have been substantiated after 1945 by special cancels and first-day covers, and will be amply complemented in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons. Stamp and postmark collection is a hobby. If done with a view to specific design themes, it is a systematic hobby. The author describes the principal lines along which topical collection of disability-related stamps can be organised.

Persons with Disabilities↗
PubMed2006

Randomized clinical trial of Lichtenstein patch or Prolene Hernia System for inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: In this randomized prospective study the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair with either Lichtenstein mesh or the Prolene Hernia System (PHS) were evaluated. METHODS: Postoperative pain and time to return to work, driving and sporting hobbies were recorded after 300 inguinal hernia repairs done by one of the two methods. Long-term sequelae and complications were assessed at follow-up visits 1 week, 1 month and 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: The median duration of operation for unilateral primary hernia was 37 min for the Lichtenstein operation and 27 min for the PHS procedure (P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was similar after both operations. Median sick leave was 7 days in both groups. Time to driving a car was 4 versus 3 days, and time to return to sporting hobbies 13 versus 11 days, in the Lichtenstein and PHS groups, respectively. Apart from a residual femoral hernia after Lichtenstein repair, no recurrent inguinal hernias were detected. CONCLUSION: Both Lichtenstein and PHS methods resulted in rapid recovery and low recurrence rates. The PHS operation was significantly quicker.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Relationship of exercise and other risk factors to depression of Alzheimer's disease: the LASER-AD study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common in Alzheimer's disease (AD; 5-35%). It is associated with increased disability, cost of care and carer burden. Exercise is known to be associated with a lower prevalence of depression across the age range but little is known about its relationship to depression in AD. AIMS: To investigate exercise and putative risk factors for depression in a community based sample of people with AD representative of the range of cognitive impairment found in the population with dementia. METHODS: Information was collected from 224 people with AD and their caregiver using standardised cognitive, psychological and behavioural instruments. Exercise levels were classified into three categories: absent, moderate, and vigorous, using the previous two weeks exercise levels to confirm regularity and recency. RESULTS: 9/51 (17.6%) depressed participants took exercise compared with 76/173 (43.9%) non-depressed [odds ratio (OR)=2.9, confidence interval (CI)=1.5-5.6, p=0.001]. Not taking part in other activities (hobbies and interests) was associated with depression but less so than lack of exercise. Independent predictors of depression were: lack of exercise (p <0.001, OR=3.4, CI = 1.7-7.2), taking cholinesterase inhibitors (p <0.05, OR=2.4, CI = 1.2-4.9) and having less involvement in hobbies or interests (p <0.05, OR = 1.2, CI = 1.0-1.5). CONCLUSION: None of the traditional risk factors for depression in older people were associated with depression in AD. Taking regular exercise may protect against depression in AD.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Clinical outcome and emotional-behavioural status after isolated coronary surgery.

In order to evaluate clinical and psychosocial results of isolated coronary artery by-pass graft (CABG) we studied 626 consecutive patients, mean age 61 +/- 8 years (86% men), in a follow-up (median: 58 months) with a complete questionnaire about cardiosurgical problems (post-operative vital status, angina relapse, infarction, heart failure, PTCA, redo, PM) and psychosocial variables (mood, irritableness, job satisfaction, hobby satisfaction, family relations, sexual activity, general well-being and work status). Global evaluation improvement of psychosocial variables was found in 71% of patients without cardiac events (group A) and 11% of patients with cardiac events (group B); worsening was found in 2% of group A and 1% of group B; no referred variations in 13% and 2% respectively (p < or = 0.05. Interests (in work, hobbies and sexual activities) demonstrate an improvement in 20% (group A) and 2% (group B); worsening in 12% (group A) and 4% (group B); no variations in 51% (group A) and 11% (group B) (p < or = 0.005). Patients reported a well-being evaluation improvement about 66% in the group returning to work without restriction, 13% in those with limitation, 6% no further working; worse or unchanged well-being evaluation was found in 9% of patients returning to work without restriction, 3% with limitation, 3% no further working (p < or = 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Neighborhood Effects in Bird Distributions, Navarre, Spain

This study examines the role of neighborhood effects in the spatial distributions of selected bird species in Navarre, Spain. We employed a geographic information system (GIS) to organize the data on bird distributions and relevant environmental variables and to analyze their spatial patterns. Three bird species were selected for analysis: the European honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus), the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), and the European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). Selected environmental variables of the study area were digitized to create a comprehensive data base and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the significance of each variable in the spatial distribution. The spatial patterns of bird distributions were used to extract topological relationships and to identify neighborhood effects. Although all the selected species illustrate a pattern of positive spatial autocorrelation in their distributions, the significance of neighborhood effects varies from species to species. Among the selected species, neighborhood effects are most evident in the distribution of the European pied flycatcher and are significant for the Eurasian hobby. The distribution of the European honey-buzzard is not much affected by neighborhood effects. The results suggest that examination of neighborhood effects is a prerequisite for modeling bird distributions.KEY WORDS: neighborhood effects, spatial autocorrelation, logistic regression, bird distributions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Immediate mobilization gives good results in boxer's fractures with volar angulation up to 70 degrees: a prospective randomized trial comparing immediate mobilization with cast immobilization.

BACKGROUND: The management of the subcapital fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone, the boxer's fracture, is still a matter of debate. Besides the question of which rate of angulation is acceptable before a reduction becomes necessary, recommendations for further treatment of this fracture vary as well. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare randomly and prospectively the results of an immobilization treatment for 3 weeks with cast with a functional treatment, all with accepted angulations up to 70 degrees. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and June 1998, 40 patients were randomly allocated either to treatment with an ulnar gutter plaster cast for a period of 3 weeks followed by mobilization, or a pressure bandage for 1 week and immediate mobilization within limits imposed by pain. All patients were monitored at the outpatient clinic 6 and 12 weeks after the fracture. Clinical outcome was measured by the range of motion (ROM) of the fifth metacarpal phalangeal (MCP) joint, and by interviewing the patients about their satisfaction, pain perception, return to work and hobby, and need for physiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with a mean age of 29 years (range 15-84) completed the required follow-up program. The mean angulation of the fracture was 39 degrees (range 15-70 degrees ). Between the two groups, no statistical differences were scored with respect to ROM, satisfaction, pain perception, return to work and hobby, and need for physiotherapy. According to a sample size calculation (power 90%, alpha 0.05, to detect 5 degrees difference in ROM), 12 patients needed to be included in each group to reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: A pressure bandage for 1 week, followed by immediate mobilization, is a sufficient alternative treatment for a boxer's fracture, if it is not angulated greater than 70 degrees and not rotated. This treatment resulted in satisfied patients who perceived no more pain and had a good ROM of the fifth MCP joint. Reduction of angulated fractures of less than 70 degrees seems not of value, with respect to ROM of the fifth MCP joint.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Long term disability and social status change after Guillain-Barré syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Even if the majority of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have a favourable functional outcome some residual motor and sensory signs and symptoms may remain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of GBS on daily life,working activities, hobbies and social status and the presence of residual symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with GBS enrolled in a case-control study were examined. Information on signs or symptoms during the acute phase of the disease was retrieved from medical records and an ad-hoc questionnaire administered during hospitalization. Patients were interviewed by phone 3 to 5 years after disease onset about residual symptoms and changes in daily living. Disability and handicap were assessed using the Hughes, Rankin and Rotterdam 9-items scale. RESULTS: At follow-up 45 patients (64 %) made a complete functional recovery; 19 patients (27%) had some minor limitations in daily life although they were able to perform all their activities independently while 6 (9 %) needed aid for some hours or continuously during the day. Nineteen patients (27 %) had, however, to make substantial changes in their job, hobbies or social activities. There was no significant correlation between clinical and laboratory features during the acute phase of GBS and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Although over 90% of our GBS patients had a more or less complete functional recovery, almost 30% of them had to make substantial changes in daily life. These findings indicate that GBS still has a significant impact on patients' life which may go beyond their residual disability or impairment. Treatment of GBS should not be only aimed at improving patients' disability but also at limiting the impact of the disease on their social life.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Preconception brief: occupational/environmental exposures.

In the last decade, more than half of U.S. children were born to working mothers and 65% of working men and women were of reproductive age. In 2004 more than 28 million women age 18-44 were employed full time. This implies the need for clinicians to possess an awareness about the impact of work on the health of their patients and their future offspring. Most chemicals in the workplace have not been evaluated for reproductive toxicity, and where exposure limits do exist, they were generally not designed to mitigate reproductive risk. Therefore, many toxicants with unambiguous reproductive and developmental effects are still in regular commercial or therapeutic use and thus present exposure potential to workers. Examples of these include heavy metals, (lead, cadmium), organic solvents (glycol ethers, percholoroethylene), pesticides and herbicides (ethylene dibromide) and sterilants, anesthetic gases and anti-cancer drugs used in healthcare. Surprisingly, many of these reproductive toxicants are well represented in traditional employment sectors of women, such as healthcare and cosmetology. Environmental exposures also figure prominently in evaluating a woman's health risk and that to a pregnancy. Food and water quality and pesticide and solvent usage are increasingly topics raised by women and men contemplating pregnancy. The microenvironment of a woman, such as her choices of hobbies and leisure time activities also come into play. Caregivers must be aware of their patients' potential environmental and workplace exposures and weigh any risk of exposure in the context of the time-dependent window of reproductive susceptibility. This will allow informed decision-making about the need for changes in behavior, diet, hobbies or the need for added protections on the job or alternative duty assignment. Examples of such environmental and occupational history elements will be presented together with counseling strategies for the clinician.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Sensory decision theory and visual analogue scale indices predict status of chronic pain patients six months later.

Thirty-nine outpatients suffering from chronic pain were studied in a multidisciplinary program. Pain intensity on a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS), sensory decision indices of thermal discriminability, P(A), and pain report criterion, B, age and sex obtained before treatment, were used to predict the patients' status, determined by a follow-up questionnaire 6 mo later. The results showed that patients who were high on the VAPS at intake had shorter pain relief and decreased physical activities on follow-up. Patients with better thermal discriminability had greater pain relief, while those with low pain report criterion, that is, less stoical, demonstrated improved physical activity, and more social and hobby activities. Patients who were less stoical to thermal stimuli (lower pain criterion) took fewer centrally active drugs after treatment. Younger patients showed greater improvement at follow-up. The data indicate that the VAPS, thermal discriminability, and pain report criterion all predict the duration of pain relief after treatment. Nevertheless, each of these variables had its individual character. The VAPS was most efficient in predicting physical activities, thermal discriminability related best to pain relief, and pain report criterion to social and hobby activities as well as drug intake.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Emergency and critical care of fish.

The keeping of fish as pets is a hobby that has experienced increasing popularity over the past decade. The hobby has also become more sophisticated in recent years and a growing number of veterinarians are gaining clinical experience and knowledge in the area of pet fish medicine. The opportunity to apply this knowledge to a pet fish problem can be a rewarding experience. This article focuses on managing acute and critical problems of pet fish at times when veterinary intervention is required within an emergency time frame.

Animal Husbandry↗