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Life Style (life + style)
Selected AbstractsLife Style and Urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a Marker of Oxidative DNA Damage: Effects of Exercise, Working Conditions, Meat Intake, Body Mass Index, and SmokingCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2001Hiroshi Kasai The urinary levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, of 318 healthy men aged 18-58 were measured with high resolution by a newly developed automated high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled to an electrochemical detector (ECD). The mean 8-OH-dG level (,Mg/g creatinine) was 4.12±1.73 (SD). An eleven-fold inter-individual variation was observed. The accuracy of the measurement estimated from the recovery of an added 8-OH-dG standard was 90-98%. By univariate analysis, it was found that moderate physical exercise (P=0.0023) and high body mass index (BMI) (P=0.0032) reduced the 8-OH-dG level, while physical labor (P=0.0097), smoking (P=0.032), and low meat intake (less than once/ week) (P=0.041) increased its level. Based on a multi-regression analysis of the log-transformed values, moderate physical exercise (P=0.0039), high BMI (P=0.0099), and age (P=0.021) showed significant reducing effects on the 8-OH-dG level, while low meat intake (P=0.010), smoking (P=0.013), and day-night shift work (P=0.044) increased its level. These results suggest that many types of life-style factors that either generate or scavenge oxygen radicals may affect the level of oxidative DNA damage of each individual. [source] Association of neuropeptides with Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in childrenCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 11 2006G. Herberth Summary Background Among neurogenic factors, the neuropeptides have an important regulatory influence on immune system activity and may lead to allergic sensitization. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM) and substance P (SP) on modulation of Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in children. Methods Within the LISAplus (Life style,Immune system,Allergy) study, blood samples of 321 six-year-old children were analysed for concentration of neuropeptides, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, transcription factors for T cell regulation and suppressors of cytokine signalling. In addition, samples were screened for specific IgE against inhalant and food allergens. Results Children with high SOM values showed a Th2 polarization and a reduced expression of FOXP3, the marker for regulatory T cells. High (VIP) levels correlated inversely with the expression of T cell transcription factors (Tbet and SOCS3). In contrast, elevated levels of SP were associated with reduced GATA3 and SOCS3 expression and with increased IFN-, concentrations. Allergic sensitization was more prevalent in children with higher SOM and VIP concentrations but not associated with SP levels. Conclusion Our data reveal an association between neuropeptides and modulatory effects on immune cells in vivo, especially on Th1/Th2 balance with a correlation to allergic sensitization in children. We suggest that elevated SOM and VIP concentrations and the inducing factors should be considered as allergy risk factors. [source] Behavioural management of antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2003U Werneke Objective: Although psychiatrists are aware of weight gain induced by atypical antipsychotics, only few studies on behavioural interventions in this patient group are published. This review aims to summarize the evidence on effectiveness of behavioural interventions for weight gain in the general population and in-patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Method: Medline and Cochrane databases search for evidence on effectiveness of behavioural interventions. Results: In general, behavioural approaches including, diet, exercise and drug treatments may be effective. There were only 13 studies of behavioural interventions for patients taking antipsychotic medication. No study met the criteria for a RCT. Calorie restriction in a controlled ward environment, structured counselling combined with cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling on life style and provision of rewards may potentially lead to weight loss. Conclusion: Currently only limited, methodologically flawed, evidence is available that behavioural interventions in overweight patients treated with antipsychotics, although intuitively appealing, actually work. [source] Cytogenetic status in newborns and their parents in Madrid: The BioMadrid studyENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 4 2010Virginia Lope Abstract Monitoring cytogenetic damage is frequently used to assess population exposure to environmental mutagens. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is one of the most widely used methods employed in these studies. In the present study we used this assay to assess the baseline frequency of micronuclei in a healthy population of father-pregnant woman-newborn trios drawn from two Madrid areas. We also investigated the association between micronucleus frequency and specific socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors collected by questionnaire. Mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium blood levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The association between micronucleated cell frequency and the variables collected by questionnaire, as well as, the risk associated with the presence of elevated levels of metals in blood, was estimated using Poisson models, taking the number of micronucleated cells in 1,000 binucleated cells (MNBCs) as the dependent variable. Separate analyses were conducted for the 110 newborns, 136 pregnant women, and 134 fathers in whom micronuclei could be assessed. The mean number of micronucleated cells per 1,000 binucleated cells was 3.9, 6.5, and 6.1 respectively. Our results show a statistically significant correlation in MNBC frequency between fathers and mothers, and between parents and newborns. Elevated blood mercury levels in fathers were associated with significantly higher MNBC frequency, compared with fathers who had normal mercury levels (RR:1.21; 95%CI:1.02,1.43). This last result suggests the need to implement greater control over populations which, by reason of their occupation or life style, are among those most exposed to this metal. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The advent of mineralized skeletons in Neoproterozoic Metazoa,new fossil evidence from the Gaojiashan FaunaGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 3-4 2007Hua Hong Abstract The terminal Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran) Dengying Formation in southern Shaanxi, China, hosts two types of conical fossils: one is the so-called Conotubus, found in siliciclastic rocks in the lower and middle part of the Gaojiashan Member; the other is the renowned Cloudina in carbonate rocks of the upper Gaojiashan Member and succeeding Beiwan Member. Conotubus are conical and gently curved tubular fossils, with a variable rate of expansion. They are built of multiple thin, steep, eccentrically nested funnels set one within the next. A detailed comparison of the two conical fossils suggests that the organic tubes of Conotubus may be the precursor of the mineralized Cloudina tubes; this inference is consistent with their similarities in both wall structure and life style. Our research thus suggests that the organic skeleton preceded the rise of the mineralized skeleton in Cloudina -like fossils. Sophisticated hypotheses have been advocated, some linking the skeletal genesis to increasing levels of Ca2+ in the seas, others to the enlargement of body sizes of animals. Yet our findings have supported the ,arms race' hypothesis: skeletons evolved primarily through selective predation pressure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Metabolic differences between Asian and Caucasian patients on clozapine treatmentHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 4 2007Mythily Subramaniam Abstract Objective To establish if there are ethnic differences in the various metabolic disturbances that are common with clozapine treatment. Method Forty subjects (20 Asians and 20 Caucasians) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited for the study. Clozapine blood levels as well as fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, and liver function tests were established. Other clinical parameters such as blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded for each patient. Results The mean clozapine dose was significantly higher in the Caucasian subjects (432.5,±,194.7,mg) as compared to the Asian subjects (175.6,±,106.9,mg) (p,<,0.001) while the mean weight-corrected dose for Asian patients was lower (3.0,±,1.9 and 5.0,±,2.1,mg/kg, respectively, p,=,0.005). There were, however, no ethnic differences in the mean plasma clozapine concentration (415.3,±,185.8,ng/ml in Caucasians and 417.1,±,290.8,ng/ml in Asians). BMI were significantly higher in Caucasians, as were the number of subjects with hypertension; levels of hepatic enzymes were higher in the Asian group. Conclusions Not only are there pharmacokinetic differences between Asian and Caucasian patients receiving clozapine, but there may also be differential emergence of certain metabolic abnormalities like hypertension and weight gain in these two ethnic groups. However, the effects of life style including diet and exercise cannot be excluded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Energy Conservation in Urban AreasIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2008Hideharu Sugihara Member Abstract This article outlines the energy conservation measures in the civilian sector from a few different viewpoint regarding energy conservation in cities. First, the energy consumption trends in the business and residential sectors are discussed, focusing the importance of energy conservation measures in applications such as home heating, water heating and specific power demand. Second, as a measure to reduce energy demand itself, energy conservation by way of applying heat insulating materials to buildings and changing the life style of residents is considered. And from the viewpoint of improving the energy system efficiency, additionally discussed here are the measures to improve the efficiency of each energy equipment such as air-conditioners and co-generation equipment, and the characteristics of District heating and cooling systems such as the local energy infrastructures. Lastly, from the knowledge obtained through model analyses by the authors, a scheme is recommended that would be one of the most efficient city-energy schemes where the energy systems including heat pumps, co-generators or equipment using solar power are utilized for their best-suited applications for business and residential customers. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Semen quality and sedentary work positionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 1 2004Julie Støy Summary Increased scrotal temperature can, in experimental settings, markedly disturb the production of semen. Sedentary work position may increase the temperature of the scrotum, but previous studies have failed to determine whether changes in scrotal temperature caused by sedentary work actually do affect semen quality. This study was carried out to elucidate the possible harmful effects of sedentary work on sperm count and other semen characteristics. In 1981,1983 a semen sample was obtained from 3119 men who attended an infertility workup in one of four Danish fertility centres. A total of 2517 men returned a postal questionnaire with information on life style, leisure time activities, occupational history and job duties. Information on job specific work position was obtained from The Danish Work Environment Cohort study 1990 (DWECS). In this analysis DWECS data for a total of 1747 men was included from men aged 18,39 years with >30 h of work per week. For all job titles represented in the DWECS, the mean proportion of sedentary work was estimated. The sperm cell concentration was 30.6 million/mL among men in the quintile with lowest job specific sedentary work compared with 40.5 million/mL in the highest quintile. The difference was, however, not statistically significant. Stratification on infertility period, educational level of the man, fertility centre, and fertility-related disease of the spouse did not influence the results. The analyses do not suggest that sedentary work is a risk factor for abnormal semen characteristics. [source] The changing incidence and sites of colorectal cancer in the Israeli Arab population and their clinical implicationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2007Paul Rozen Abstract Israeli Arabs have been at low risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and had mainly proximal cancer, but increasing CRC is now noted. We examined this trend and CRC site and compared them to the total Jewish population and to the low-risk Jews of Asian-African origin. Israel Cancer Registry CRC data, 1982,2002, for Arabs and Jews was computed by gender, age and site: rectal cancer included recto-sigmoid junction; "right-sided" CRC included the proximal colon up to and also the splenic flexure. During 1982,2002, Arab CRC trends increased significantly in both sexes due to left -sided CRC (women, p = 0.01; men, p = 0.02) and rectal cancers (p = 0.05). Left -sided CRC increased significantly in both men and women aged , 65 years (p = 0.02). Comparing 1982,1984 to 2000,2002, the proportion of right-sided CRC decreased in both genders (p < 0.01) from 39.4 to 27.1% of male CRC, and from 44.8 to 31.3% in females. In general, this pattern of increasing rectal and left-sided CRC had been seen over a decade earlier in Jews of Asian-African origin and then their trend reversed during the last decade. In conclusion, there is a recent trend for left-sided CRC in Israeli Arabs, probably related to their changing life style. These results should influence their cancer preventive lifestyle recommendations, and CRC screening and diagnostic methodologies used. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] FoxO1 , the key for the pathogenesis and therapy of acne?JOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 2 2010Bodo C. Melnik Summary Five main factors play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acne: androgen dependence, follicular retention hyperkeratosis, increased sebaceous lipogenesis, increased colonization with P. acnes, and inflammatory events. This paper offers a solution for the pathogenesis of acne and explains all major pathogenic factors at the genomic level by a relative deficiency of the nuclear transcription factor FoxO1. Nuclear FoxO1 suppresses androgen receptor, other important nuclear receptors and key genes of cell proliferation, lipid biosynthesis and inflammatory cytokines. Elevated growth factors during puberty and persistent growth factor signals due to Western life style stimulate the export of FoxO1 out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm via activation of the phos-phoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. By this mechanism, genes and nuclear receptors involved in acne are derepressed leading to increased androgen receptor-mediated signal transduction, increased cell proliferation of androgen-dependent cells, induction of sebaceous lipogenesis and upregulation of Toll-like-receptor-2-dependent inflammatory cytokines. All known acne-inducing factors exert their action by reduction of nuclear FoxO1 levels. In contrast, retinoids, antibiotics and dietary intervention will increase the nuclear content of FoxO1, thereby normalizing increased transcription of genes involved in acne. Various receptor-mediated growth factor signals are integrated at the level of PI3K/Akt activation which finally results in nuclear FoxO1 deficiency. [source] Parents of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Quality of Life and Experiences of CaringJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 2 2000Sarah Walden This study examined a UK sample of parents caring for their adult offspring with intellectual disabilities, and the factors contributing to their quality of life and experiences of caregiving. Structured interviews were conducted with 62 parents of adults with intellectual disabilities. On several indices of quality of life, parents did not seem to be functioning as well as caregiving parents in the US, or as well as adults in the general US population. The offspring's level of challenging behaviour and physical dependency and the parent's satisfaction with informal support were associated with parental quality of life. The salience that parents placed on their post-parental life style was also associated with quality of life, with ,captive' parents faring more poorly than ,captivated' parents. [source] Promoting the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patients' and carers' viewsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3-4 2010Ann Caress Aims and objectives., The aim of this study was to generate in-depth insights into patients' and family members' understanding of the causation, progression and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of health promotion with this population. In particular, we were interested in identifying the ways patients and family members considered that they could maximise their (patients') health, in the presence of this disease. Background., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is highly prevalent and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting on quality of life and healthcare expenditure. Health promotion is, therefore, an important consideration. There are few examples in the literature of health promotion programmes for this population, including those directed at smoking cessation, which also focus on the family or significant others. Design., An exploratory, descriptive design was employed. Method., Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 12 family caregivers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using content analysis procedures which captured the meaning of the data. Results., The three main themes were ,health promotion: what's that?', ,community resources for health promotion' and ,it wasn't just the smoking'. Many participants seemed unaware that their health might benefit from a healthier life style and provided little spontaneous information on any activities they carried out to maintain or improve their health. Conclusions., This study highlighted a dearth of health promoting activity amongst people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reality for most patients was to manage the day-to-day demands that the symptoms of the disease imposed on them. Our data suggest that a more wide-ranging approach, encompassing aspects of health promotion, might be welcomed by many patients and their family carers. Relevance to clinical practice., The findings from this study highlight gaps in patients' and carers' understanding of the potential role of health promotion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and areas for intervention by health professionals. With the increase in smoking rates of women and predicted future increases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is imperative that health professionals find effective ways to provide support and health promotive care for patients and families. [source] Lower urinary tract symptoms: a hermeneutic phenomenological study into men's lived experienceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2005BSc (Hons), Mark Wareing MSc Aim., This was an investigation to discover the lived experience of men with lower urinary tract symptoms arising from benign prostatic hyperplasic. Design., A hermeneutic phenomenological study. Methods., Approval was granted by the local Applied and Qualitative Research Ethics Committee (AQREC) prior to the commencement of the study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews that were audio taped, and subsequently transcribed. Each transcripted interview was analysed by the investigator and a team of ,expert readers'. The team agreed on a total of 57 sub-themes divided into seven categories with unanimity, therefore obviating the need for participant validation. Findings., The major findings of the study suggest that men experience a broad and dramatic spectrum of phenomena while living with a benign prostate condition. This includes profound embarrassment, fear, revulsion as well as humour that require a range of methods and life adjustments to manage and contain their symptoms. Conclusions., The participant's narratives provide a thick, rich and meaningful insight into how men understand their bodies, and make sense of prostate disease; a significant men's health issue. Relevance to clinical practice., Several studies have already been published describing men's lived experience of prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. This research has captured men's lived experience of lower urinary tract symptoms ahead of surgical intervention. Men experience a broad scope of phenomena resulting from life with a benign prostate condition that encompasses fear and embarrassment and the development of coping mechanisms and changes in life style. Recent media awareness campaigns to raise public awareness of prostate disease as a men's health issue appear to be changing how men perceive their bodies, how they converse with one another, and their help seeking behaviour. [source] A2. The carer's perception of dietitians' advice and its impact on the management of patients receiving haemodialysisJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2000M. A. Rezaie Background Patients with end stage renal disease and their carers suffer many changes in their daily life style as a result of haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Information and education concerning the management of dietary requirements and restrictions for renal patients should be aimed at both patients and their carers. Aim This study investigated the impact of dietitians' involvement and advice on the carers' ability to manage patients' dietary/fluid requirements. Method A total of 36 carers of renal patients receiving unit haemodialysis treatment were randomly recruited into this study from a hospital in Cardiff, Wales. All the carers completed the Haemodialysis carers questionnaire (HCQ), specifically designed for this study, delivered to them in the outpatient clinic by the dietitian. Results Of the 36 carers, 22 (61%) were female, six (16.7%) were male and eight (22%) did not report their gender. Thirteen (36%) of the carers were between the ages of 20,54 years and 23 (64%) were 55 years of age and older. Twenty-six (72%) of the carers involved in this study were spouses and 34 (94.4%) of the carers lived with the patient. The mean duration of haemodialysis treatment for the patient was found to be 20 months. The results indicated that although the majority of the carers were informed about patients' dietary and fluid restrictions, 45% had not received any dietary information. Dietitians' one-to,one interactions with the carer was the most effective way of providing information in enabling them to better manage the patient compared to other methods such as leaflet and information packs (P = 0.01). The majority of the carers knew how to contact the renal dietitian, however, many did not (P = 0.001). Almost all the carers considered receiving information about the purpose of HD, feed back on the patients' condition, fluid/dietary restriction and details of available community resources as very important. Those carers who had the benefit of a dietitian's involvement believed that their advice was very helpful and enabled them to cope better with the management and complications of patient fluid and dietary requirements (P < 0.02). Strong correlations were found (rs = 0.67; P < 0.01) between the amount of information received by the carers and the level of the carers satisfaction with this information. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the amount of information received by the carers and different aspects of managing the patients' diet, because 45% of the carers received none or little information. Conclusions Dietitians should involve the carers in the management of HD patient's dietary/fluid requirements and restrictions in order to provide better quality of care and quality of life for both the patient and the carer. [source] Risk factors for coronary heart disease in 55- and 35-year-old men and women in Sweden and EstoniaJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2002J. Johansson Abstract., Johansson J, Viigimaa M, Jensen-Urstad M, Krakau I I, Hansson L-O (Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia). Risk factors for coronary heart disease in 55- and 35-year-old men and women in Sweden and Estonia. J Intern Med 2002; 252:551,560. Objective., To illustrate the geographical West-to-East division of coronary heart disease (CHD) by comparing a population from Sweden, that represents a Western country to a population from Estonia, that represents an Eastern country. Estonia has an approximately 2,4-fold higher CHD prevalence for 55-year-old women and men, respectively, than Sweden. Design., Randomized screening of 35- and 55-year-old men and women in Sollentuna county, Sweden and Tartu county, Estonia. Eight hundred subjects, 100 from each cohort, were invited to participate in the study, 272 Swedes and 277 Estonians participated. Setting., Preventive cardiology, administered by a primary health care centre at the Karolinska Hospital, Sweden and a cardiology centre at Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. Main outcome measures., The CHD risk factors (smoking, blood pressure, concentrations of lipoproteins, fibrinogen, and glucose) and certain environmental factors and attitudes related to CHD risk by questionnaires (fat-type and alcohol ingestion, self-assessed rating of CHD susceptibility). Results., Of the 55-year-old men, 57% smoked in Estonia and 20% smoked in Sweden. Similar, although less pronounced differences showing higher smoking prevalence, were seen for 35-year-old Estonian men and women, whilst for 55-year-old women, less than 20% smoked in either country. Estonian 55-year-old women had lower HDL cholesterol and higher LDL cholesterol serum concentrations than Swedish 55-year-old women. Estonians reportedly ate food containing more saturated fats than Swedes, as indicated by the scale-score questionnaire. Estonians, relative to Swedes, rated their chance of developing CHD higher, and paradoxically, Estonians did to a much lesser degree believe that life style influences the risk of developing CHD. Conclusions., Elevated smoking prevalence is a striking difference between the Estonian and Swedish populations likely to explain the much higher CHD prevalence in Estonian men. The lower HDL cholesterol and higher LDL cholesterol in Estonian 55-year-old women may explain the higher CHD prevalence in Estonian women. Furthermore, the SWESTONIA CHD study (i.e. comparison between Sweden and Estonia) shows several environmental differences between the countries populations related to fat content in food, alcohol drinking patterns, and views on CHD risk and the importance of lifestyle intervention, that could contribute to the higher CHD prevalence in Estonia. [source] The Metabolic Syndrome: A Brain Disease?JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Ruud M Buijs Summary The incidence of obesity with, as consequence, a rise in associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia , the metabolic syndrome , is reaching epidemic proportions in industrialized countries. Here, we provide a hypothesis that the biological clock which normally prepares us each morning for the coming activity period is altered due to a modern life style of low activity during the day and late-night food intake. Furthermore, we review the anatomical evidence supporting the proposal that an unbalanced autonomic nervous system output may lead to the simultaneous occurrence of diabetes type 2, dyslipidemia, hypertension and visceral obesity. [source] Problems and Risks of Unsolicited E-mails in Patient-Physician Encounters in Travel Medicine SettingsJOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001Andreas Sing Background: International travel and use of modern information technology are expressions of modern life style. Seeking on-line travel health advice via E-mail for preventive (teleprevention) or diagnostic reasons may become increasingly popular among patients with financial resources and Internet access. This study was undertaken to compare the behavior of travel clinic or tropical medicine physicians and other providers of travel-related medical information services toward unsolicited E-mails from fictitious patients in pretravel and post-travel scenarios. We also wanted to test the potential of E-mail advice for preventive medicine (teleprevention), and to find out how the "Good Samaritan Law" is observed. Methods: Two different E-mails were posted to E-mail addresses of 171 physicians (members of travel health and/or tropical medicine societies) and services offering advice on travel health issues identified by an AltaVista search. These E-mails, from two different fictitious travelers, were asking for advice regarding malaria prophylaxis in a pretravel scenario and describing symptoms suggesting acute malaria. Results: Of the contacted addresses 43.3% and 49.7% respectively, replied to the pre- and post-travel E-mail. Of those suggesting antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in the pretravel scenario, 13.2% proposed inadequate regimens, and at least 3.5% of the post-travel replies were inappropriate. The "Good Samaritan Law" was observed by a significant number of physicians. Conclusions: Both patients and physicians have to be aware of the limitations of E-mail communication. Guidelines protecting physicians against legal and ethical consequences of this new communication technology are urgently needed. [source] Fitness, daily activity and body composition in children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthmaALLERGY, Issue 11 2009S. Vahlkvist Background:, Information about how the asthma disease affects the life style and health in children is sparse. Aim:, To measure fitness, daily physical activity and body composition in children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthma and healthy controls, and to assess the association between the level of asthma control and these parameters. Methods:, Daily physical activity measured using accelerometry, cardiovascular fitness and body composition (per cent fat, per cent lean tissue and bone mineral density) were measured in 57 children with newly diagnosed, untreated asthma and in 157 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. The level of asthma control was assessed by measurements of a variety of asthma outcomes. Results:, Children with asthma were less fit (35.1 vs 39.3 ml O2/min/kg) (P < 0.001), had a higher body per cent fat (22.8 vs 19.5%) (P < 0.01) and a higher frequency of overweight (24.6 vs 14.2%) (P < 0.05) than healthy controls. Per cent body fat correlated negativly to overall daily activity (P < 0.001) and to time spent in high or vigorous activity (P < 0.001). Fitness corrrelated positively to time spent in high and vigorous activity (P < 0.001). Within the asthma group, the level of asthma control, fitness and the time spent in vigorous activity correlated positively (P < 0.02). Conclusion:, Children with untreated asthma are less fit and have a higher body per cent fat and frequency of obesity than their healthy peers. Uncontrolled asthma is associated with a reduced fitness and daytime spent in intensive activity. Overweight children are physically less active than normal weight children. [source] Contribution of functional variation in the IL13 gene to allergy, hay fever and asthma in the NSHD longitudinal 1946 birth cohortALLERGY, Issue 8 2009S. Black Background:, Genetic variants of the two adjacent genes, IL13 and IL4 have frequently been reported as being associated with susceptibility to atopy and asthma, both in adults and children, and some studies also suggest association with lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods:, In this study, we examined for the first time the effect of these variants in 2918 adults in a longitudinal birth cohort, the British National Survey of Health and Development, where there are extensive life style, developmental and environmental data. We examine two IL13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) IL13 rs20541 (R110Q) and rs1800925 (,1024C>T) and one IL4 SNP, rs2070874 (,33C>T) with likely function. Results:, We show that IL13 rs20541 and rs1800925 are each significantly associated with self-reported asthma and allergy, and that this association is not confounded by any of the known developmental and environmental risk factors for asthma and atopy, including in particular place of birth. IL13 rs20541 does however act as a confounder for the IL13 rs1800925 associations, meaning that there is no statistical support for rs1800925 having an independent effect. There is nevertheless evidence for interaction between smoking and rs1800925, with allergy as outcome. None of the SNPs showed association with measures of lung function, nor any interaction with the effect of smoking on lung function. Conclusion:, In a longitudinal population cohort we have established a role for polymorphism of IL13 in determining susceptibility to both atopy and asthma. [source] Orchid mycorrhiza: implications of a mycophagous life styleOIKOS, Issue 3 2009Hanne N. Rasmussen Orchid mycorrhiza probably affects about 25,000 plant species and thus roughly one tenth of all higher plants. Histologically, this symbiosis resembles other kinds of endomycorrhiza, the fungal hyphae growing within living plant cells. Considerable evidence, however, suggests that it is not a two-way exchange relationship and thus not potentially mutualistic, such as the wide-spread endomycorrhiza between plants and Glomalean fungi, known as arbuscular mycorrhiza. During the achlorophyllous seedling stage orchids are obligately dependent on the fungi; some species remain so through life, while others establish photosynthesis but to varying degrees remain facultatively dependent of /responsive to fungal infection as adults. None of the fungi involved are so far known to depend on the symbiosis with orchids. Transfer of organic carbon compounds from hyphae to the orchid has been demonstrated repeatedly, but it is not clear to what extent this takes place during a biotrophic phase while the intracellular hyphae remain intact, or during the subsequent extensive degradation of the hyphal coils. The advantage of viewing orchid mycorrhiza basically as a unilateral mycophagous relationship, in spite of hypothetical beneficial spin-offs to the mycobiont, is that it provides a conceptual framework similar to that of other parasitic or fungivore relationships; mechanisms known in such relationships could be searched for in future studies of the orchid,fungus symbiosis. These could include mechanisms for recognition, attraction and selection of fungi, physiological regulation of internal hyphal growth, breakdown, and material transfer, nutritional consequences of the plant's preference(s) and trophic changes, fungal avoidance mechanisms, and consequences at population and ecosystem levels. A whole range of possible life strategies becomes apparent that could support divergent evolution and lead to the proliferation of species that has indeed occurred in the orchid family. We outline some of the possible physiological mechanisms and ecological implications of this approach. [source] Anonymous non-response analysis in the ABCD cohort study enabled by probabilistic record linkagePAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009M. Tromp Summary Selective non-response is an important threat to study validity as it can lead to selection bias. The Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study (ABCD-study) is a large cohort study addressing the relationship between life style, psychological conditions, nutrition and sociodemographic background of pregnant women and their children's health. Possible selective non-response and selection bias in the ABCD-study were analysed using national perinatal registry data. ABCD-study data were linked with national perinatal registry data by probabilistic medical record linkage techniques. Differences in the prevalence of relevant risk factors (sociodemographic and care-related factors) and birth outcomes between respondents and non-respondents were tested using Pearson chi-squared tests. Selection bias (i.e. bias in the association between risk factors and specific outcomes) was analysed by regression analysis with and without adjustment for participation status. The ABCD non-respondents were significantly younger, more often non-western, and more often multiparae. Non-respondents entered antenatal care later, were more often under supervision of an obstetrician and had a spontaneous delivery more often. Non-response however, was not significantly associated with preterm birth (odds ratio 1.10; 95% CI 0.93, 1.29) or low birthweight (odds ratio 1.16; 95% CI 0.98, 1.37) after adjustment for sociodemographic risk factors. The associations found between risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes were similar for respondents and non-respondents. Anonymised record linkage of cohort study data with national registry data indicated that selective non-response was present in the ABCD-study, but selection bias was acceptably low and did not influence the main study questions. [source] Assessing levels of contaminants in breast milk: methodological issues and a framework for future researchPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Mary J. Renfrew Summary To assess the scale of the possible exposure by the breast-fed infant to potentially harmful substances in breast milk, methodologically robust studies are essential. Many studies in this field, however, do not report details of crucial issues such as recruitment and milk sampling. The aims of the study reported here were to develop robust methods for the study of contaminants in breast milk, and to develop a framework for future research and population monitoring. Three cohorts of women and babies were recruited by midwives from five sites in northern England. Cohort 1 (cross-sectional, n = 322) were asked to provide two milk samples, one at one week following birth and one at a subsequent time point. Cohort 2 (longitudinal, n = 54) were asked to provide five samples at specified time points over the first 12,16 weeks after birth. Cohort 3 (convenience, n = 18), mothers of babies in the Special Care Unit, were asked to donate surplus breast milk. A novel method of analysing fat concentration in small volumes was developed and tested. A randomly selected set of samples from different donors and stages of lactation was screened for organochlorine pesticide residues, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins/furans, phthalates and heavy metals. A total of 453 samples were donated. Cohort 3 was the least successful route of recruitment. Cohorts 1 and 2 combined were most representative of the population. Sample collection, transport and storage procedures, and the collection of data on life style and diet, were robust and acceptable to women. Midwifery involvement in recruitment was an essential component. This study offers a framework both for the conduct of future research studies, and for the establishment of regional and national monitoring mechanisms for contaminants in breast milk. Similar work on contaminants in formula as fed to babies is needed to inform risk assessment methods. [source] Biological condition of adult migrants and nonmigrants in Wroc,aw, PolandAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Alicja Szklarska Human migration and its economic, social, and demographic effects can lead to health consequences for individuals and populations. In the present study, we estimated differences in health status between migrant (those who had come to Wroc,aw at the age of ,16 years) and nonmigrant (those who had lived in Wroc,aw since birth or had come with their parents) inhabitants of Wroc,aw, Poland. Three hundred and sixty seven males and 496 females aged 40 and 50 underwent medical examination, and were asked to fill out a questionnaire comprising social, demographic, and life style information. Health status was assessed by blood pressure, heart rate, fasting lipid profile, glucose, height, and measures of fatness (BMI, WHR, sum of skinfolds). Comparisons were made based on Borkan's and Norris's profiles. Student's t -test showed significant differences in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, total cholesterol, and glucose levels between two groups of males, in favor of migrants. Male migrants were also significantly taller than their peers born in Wroc,aw. In females, migrants had significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate than nonmigrants. In interpreting the results two possible, not mutually exclusive, mechanisms are proposed: selective spatial mobility, and changes toward healthier life style as an adaptation to new urban environment. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Different Gene Expressions on the Left and the Right: A Genotype/Phenotype Mismatch in Need of AttentionANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 1 2008Ursula Mittwoch Summary Discordance in monozygotic twins has traditionally been explained in terms of environmental influences. A recent investigation has found a difference in epigenetic markers in older but not in younger twins. However, phenotypic differences that depend on an individual's postnatal life style do not address the problem of discordance in congenital malformations, or the reason why malformations are frequently unilateral, often with a preference for one or the other side. One such condition, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, which is preferentially expressed on the left, is a multifactorial condition, that is caused by a failure of the critical timing necessary for different groups of cells to meet and develop into a normal face. This process is dependent on cell proliferation and migration, which are energy-dependent, while the additional requirement for apoptosis to allow cell fusion suggests the involvement of mitochondria. Recent progress in two separate areas of research could lead to a better understanding of the problem of facial clefts: (1) the recognition of an interaction between gene products and mitochondria in the aetiology of neurodegenerative diseases and (2) the discovery of an increasing number of genes, including transcription factors, growth factors and members of the TGF-, signalling family, that are differentially expressed on the left and right side, thus pointing to a difference in their micro-environment. These findings emphasize the importance of investigating the activity of candidate genes for complex developmental processes separately on the left and right sides. Data presented in this review suggest that differential growth rates may lead to an inversion of laterality. A method is described to test for a possible mitochondrial difference between left and right sides, using a mouse model with cleft lip. [source] Prospective study of caffeine consumption and risk of Parkinson's disease in men and womenANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2001Alberto Ascherio MD, DrPH Results of case-control studies and of a prospective investigation in men suggest that consumption of coffee could protect against the risk of Parkinson's disease, but the active constituent is not clear. To address the hypothesis that caffeine is protective against Parkinson's disease, we examined the relationship of coffee and caffeine consumption to the risk of this disease among participants in 2 ongoing cohorts, the Health Professionals' Follow-Up Study (HPFS) and the Nurses' Health Study (NHS). The study population comprised 47,351 men and 88,565 women who were free of Parkinson's disease, stroke, or cancer at baseline. A comprehensive life style and dietary questionnaire was completed by the participants at baseline and updated every 2,4 years. During the follow-up (10 years in men, 16 years in women), we documented a total of 288 incident cases of Parkinson's disease. Among men, after adjustment for age and smoking, the relative risk of Parkinson's disease was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.23,0.78; p for trend < 0.001) for men in the top one-fifth of caffeine intake compared to those in the bottom one-fifth. An inverse association was also observed with consumption of coffee (p for trend = 0.004), caffeine from noncoffee sources (p for trend < 0.001), and tea (p for trend = 0.02) but not decaffeinated coffee. Among women, the relationship between caffeine or coffee intake and risk of Parkinson's disease was U-shaped, with the lowest risk observed at moderate intakes (1,3 cups of coffee/day, or the third quintile of caffeine consumption). These results support a possible protective effect of moderate doses of caffeine on risk of Parkinson's disease. [source] IgE-Mediated Asthma and Rhinitis I: A Role of Allergen Exposure?BASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Gunnar D. Nielsen The IgE antibodies and associated cellular responses are responsible for the allergic airway diseases, allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, which are increasing in societies with Western life style. Aeroallergens may have different potential to sensitize exposed subjects. Thus, there are only a limited number of important groups of aeroallergens, which are those from house dust mites, cockroaches, pets, pollens, and moulds. Allergy follows to a certain extent the pharmacological/toxicological paradigm of dose-response relationship. Unlike effects of pharmacologically and toxicologically active substances, allergens elicit their adverse effects in a two-stage process. In the first stage the immunologically naïve individual is sensitized to the allergen. In the second stage renewed exposure to the allergen elicits the disease response. Also, high concentrations of aeroallergens may induce immunological tolerance. The scientific literature suggests that many environmental factors contribute to the increase in sensitization and development of airway allergies. Nevertheless, the dose-response relationships apply (within certain limits) both to the sensitization itself and to the exacerbation of the diseases. This suggest that exposure reduction may be one of the methods for reduction of risk, in relation to control of the allergic airway diseases. [source] Epidemiology of exfoliation syndrome in the Reykjavik Eye StudyACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue thesis3 2009Ársæll Már Arnarsson Abstract. Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a major risk factor for glaucoma. It is characterized by a pathological accumulation of polymorphic fibrillar material in the anterior segment of the eye. It is likely that the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) seen in XFS patients is at least in part because of flakes of material clogging up the trabecular meshwork, and thereby increasing the resistance to outflow and increasing IOP. XFS glaucoma progresses more rapidly, is more resistant to medical treatment and has worse prognosis than other glaucomas. The prevalence of XFS has been found to vary greatly between different studies, raising the possibility of racial and/or environmental modulators. XFS has also been linked to other changes in ophthalmological structures such as; changes in central corneal thickness (CCT), steeper corneal curvature (CC) and nuclear lens opacifications. Some studies have found XFS to be associated with systemic diseases, mostly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular. Exposure to ultra-violet (UV) light has also been investigated as a possible culprit, along with several other plausible factors. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and 5-year incidence of XFS, to establish possible risk factors and/or concomitant symptoms and finally to investigate the relationship between XFS and glaucomatous changes. The Reykjavík Eye Study (RES) is a prospective study based on a random sample from the Icelandic national population sample. The baseline examination was performed in the autumn of 1996, when 1045 persons older than 50 years participated. Of these, 846 (88.2% of survivors) participated in a follow-up 5 years later. All participants went through a standard examination protocol, and answered a comprehensive questionnaire on health and life style. In the prevalence study, XFS was found in 10.7% of subjects, more frequently in women and older persons. Five years later, a further 5.2% of those that participated in the follow-up study and had no signs of XFS at baseline were diagnosed having XFS. We found a strong correlation between IOP and XFS. No difference was found in the anterior segment parameters measured, but there was a significant loss of neural tissue in the XFS as demonstrated by measurements of cup/disk ratio. In conclusion, we find XFS to be frequent among Icelanders, increasing with age and more in women. Our diagnostic criteria are reliable over time. We have also identified possible risk factors that point to a role of antioxidants in the development of XFS. We find changes in corneal curvature and thickness more related to age than XFS. [source] Low socioeconomic status as a risk factor for asthma, rhinitis and sensitization at 4 years in a birth cohortCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 5 2005C. Almqvist Summary Background The relation between socioeconomic status and allergic diseases in childhood is controversial. Some studies have proposed childhood asthma to be more common in families with low socioeconomic status, while sensitization to airborne allergens seems to be more frequent in individuals with higher socioeconomic status in childhood. Objective To assess the relation between socioeconomic status and asthma, rhinitis and sensitization in an unselected prospective birth cohort. Methods Four thousand and eighty-nine families with children born 1994,1996 in predefined areas of Stockholm answered questionnaires on environmental factors, socioeconomic status (parental occupation), and symptoms of allergic disease at birth, 1, 2 and 4 years of age. Blood samples taken at 4 years from 2614 children were analysed for specific IgE to common airborne and food allergens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various outcomes in relation to socioeconomic status were estimated with a multiple logistic regression model, adjusting for potential confounders such as heredity for allergic diseases, maternal smoking, short duration of breastfeeding and house construction. Results There was a decreasing risk of asthma and rhinitis with increasing socioeconomic status. The OR for asthma was 0.33 (95% CI 0.17,0.66) and for rhinitis 0.50 (0.32,0.79) comparing the highest and the lowest socioeconomic groups, with a tendency to stronger effects in those with heredity for allergic disease. The risk of sensitization to food allergens also decreased with increasing socioeconomic status; OR 0.65 (0.41,1.02) in the highest socioeconomic group (Ptrend=0.03), which was not clearly seen for airborne allergens. Conclusion Asthma, rhinitis and sensitization is more common in lower than in higher socioeconomic groups after adjustment for traditional risk factors. This may be related to additional uncontrolled differences in life style and environmental exposures between the groups, and calls for further studies. [source] Prevalence of nonspecific low back pain in schoolchildren aged between 13 and 15 yearsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2008Stefano Masiero Abstract Aim: To investigate the annual (2005) prevalence of nonspecific low back pain (LBP), defined as lumbago not attributed to recognizable, known specific pathology, in a population of adolescents. Methods: We investigated 7542 school teenagers with a structured questionnaire consisting of demographic and anthropometric items, psychosocial factors and life style, presence and intensity of LBP, family history of LBP, and questions about whether the teenager had been referred to a physician for this problem. Univariate (t -test, Mann,Whitney U-test and chi-square test) and multivariate analyses (logistic regression) were performed. Results: A total of 1180 (20.5%) teenagers reported one or more episodes of LBP, of whom 900 (76.3%) had consulted a health provider. A significantly greater percentage of LBP was found in the students who practised aerobics and swimming compared to the other sports. The search for risk factors in the whole population revealed no associations between LBP and the investigated anthropometrics or lifestyle items, whereas a significant association was found for gender (to be female), positive family history of LBP and absence of sports activity. Conclusions: Our study shows that nonspecific LBP is a frequent event in teenagers, particularly in females, sedentary children and those with a family history of LBP. [source] Effect of environmental variables on eukaryotic microbial community structure of land-fast Arctic sea iceENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Brian Eddie Summary Sea ice microbial community structure affects carbon and nutrient cycling in polar seas, but its susceptibility to changing environmental conditions is not well understood. We studied the eukaryotic microbial community in sea ice cores recovered near Point Barrow, AK in May 2006 by documenting the composition of the community in relation to vertical depth within the cores, as well as light availability (mainly as variable snow cover) and nutrient concentrations. We applied a combination of epifluorescence microscopy, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone libraries of a section of the 18S rRNA gene in order to compare the community structure of the major eukaryotic microbial phylotypes in the ice. We find that the community composition of the sea ice is more affected by the depth horizon in the ice than by light availability, although there are significant differences in the abundance of some groups between light regimes. Epifluorescence microscopy shows a shift from predominantly heterotrophic life styles in the upper ice to autotrophy prevailing in the bottom ice. This is supported by the statistical analysis of the similarity between the samples based on the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns, which shows a clear difference between upper and lower ice sections with respect to phylotypes and their proportional abundance. Clone libraries constructed using diatom-specific primers confirm the high diversity of diatoms in the sea ice, and support the microscopic counts. Evidence of protistan grazing upon diatoms was also found in lower sections of the core, with implications for carbon and nutrient recycling in the ice. 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