MODES OF USE OF THE CELL PHONE AND HEALTH OF SCHOOLCHILDREN

Introduction. The broad spread of cell phones (CP) among schoolchildren and the absence of age standards for their safe use determined the purpose of the study: to reveal the regimens of CP use, critical for the health of children and adolescents. Material and methods. In a cross-sectional study in 2008-2010, by the questionnaire data of 2,137 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years there was assessed the impact of CP usage indices (daily number of calls - CN, call duration - CD, and total daily duration of calls - TCDD) on health (the incidence of headaches and sleep disorders, number of colds). Student and Mann-Whitney criteria and assessment of relative risks were used. Results. The study revealed age-dependent critical values of usage indices (in 6-10 years: CN=2, TCDD=6 minutes.; in 11-13 years: CN=6; in 14-15 years CN=6, CD=3 minutes., TCDD=4 -10 min.), the exceeding of which due to risks: in 6-10 years - to have more than 4 colds a year (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.09-4.62); in 11-13 years to have several headaches per week (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.30); in 14-15 years - to have several headaches (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.27-2.54) and several sleep disorders (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.17-2.37) per week. Discussion. Age differences in critical modes of CP use and in health violations, as well as the importance of radiation intensity are discussed. Conclusions. Age-related CP use regimens, critical for health, were established. It was shown the need to develop more precise age criteria for safe CP use with taking into account a wider range of health indicators and radiation intensity.

Download Full-text

Telomere length and age-dependent telomere attrition: the blood-and-muscle model

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/cjpp-2018-0582 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (4) ◽

pp. 328-334 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mirna N. Chahine ◽

Simon Toupance ◽

Sandy El-Hakim ◽

Carlos Labat ◽

Sylvie Gautier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Muscle Model ◽

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Telomere Attrition ◽

Age Related ◽

Age Dependent ◽

Muscle Biopsies

Short telomere length (TL) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) and other age-related diseases. It is unclear whether these associations originate from having inherently short TL or a faster TL attrition before or during disease development. We proposed the blood-and-muscle model to assess TL dynamics throughout life course. Our objective was to measure TL in leukocytes (LTL) and in skeletal muscle (MTL), which served as a proxy of TL at birth. The delta (MTL–LTL) represented life-long telomere attrition. Blood draws and skeletal muscle biopsies were performed on 35 Lebanese individuals undergoing surgery. Following DNA extraction, LTL and MTL were measured by Southern blot. In every individual aged between 30 and 85 years, MTL was longer than LTL. With age, MTL and LTL decreased, but the delta (MTL–LTL) increased by 14 bp/year. We validated the blood-and-muscle model that allowed us to identify TL, TL at birth, and lifelong TL attrition in a cross-sectional study. This model can be used in larger cross-sectional studies to evaluate the association of telomere dynamics with age-related diseases onset and progression.

Download Full-text

The Importance of the Political and the Social in Explaining Mortality Differentials among the Countries of the OECD, 1950–1998

International Journal of Health Services ◽

10.2190/r7ge-8dwk-yy6c-183u ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 419-494 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

Vicente Navarro ◽

Carme Borrell ◽

Joan Benach ◽

Carles Muntaner ◽

Agueda Quiroga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infant Mortality ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Political Parties ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

The Political ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Democratic ◽

The Impact ◽

Political Variables

This article analyzes (within the conceptual frame defined in the previous article) the impact of political variables such as time of government by political parties (social democratic, Christian democratic or conservative, liberal, and ex-dictatorial that have governed the OECD countries during the 1950–1998 period) and their electoral support on (1) redistributional policies in the labor market and in the welfare state; (2) the income inequalities measured by Theil and Gini indexes; and (3) health indicators, such as infant mortality and life expectancy. This analysis is carried out statistically by a bivariate and a multivariate analysis (a pooled cross-sectional study). Both analyses show that political variables play an important role in defining how public and social policies determine the levels of inequalities and affect the level of infant mortality. In general, political parties more committed to redistributional policies, such as social democratic parties, are the most successful in reducing inequalities and improving infant mortality. Less evidence exists, however, on effects on life expectancy. The article also quantifies statistically the relationship between the political and the policy variables and between these variables and the dependent variables—that is, the health indicators.

Download Full-text

What the impact of the economic crisis on the Brazilian’s lifestyle between 2013 and 2016? A long-term trend cross-sectional study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-26007/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sonny Állan Bezerra ◽

Denilson Menezes Santos ◽

Michele Maria Oliveira ◽

Claudia Vanisse Costa ◽

Elaynne de Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Economic Crisis ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sharp Drop ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Long Term Trend

Abstract Background: Brazil has been going through a period of economic crisis since 2015 and the impact on health indicators and the quality of life of the most recent crisis is unclear. This study sought to establish a relationship between the impact of the economic crisis experienced by Brazil during the period 2013-2016 and the lifestyle of adult populations in the 27 capitals of the Brazilian state.Results: According to the binary logistic regression model, at least completing secondary education increases the probability of individuals presenting higher LS by 4.9% (OR=1,049, 95% CI 1,029–1,070); being involved in some type of relationship decreases the probability of presenting a higher LS by 5.3% (OR=0.947, 95% CI 0.029-0.965); having an adequate body mass index increases LS by 27.3% (OR=1.273, 95% CI 1,245.10.10). Living in a city with a lower unemployment rate increases the probability of having a higher LS score by 3.8%(OR=1,038, 95% CI 1,012-1.064); living in a city with a more basic food basket decreases the probability of having a higher LS score by 5.4% (OR=0.946, 95% CI 0.910-0.982). Presenting higher yields decreases the probability of having a higher LS by 12% (OR=0.880, 95% CI 0.860-0.900). In addition, there was an increase in the percentage of leisure-time PA in 2015 (20.9%), followed by a decrease to 18.1% in 2016, after a stabilization period in 2013 (19.5%) and 2014 (19.6%). The physical exercise showed a steady annual increase, with a score of 49.6% in 2013, followed by 50.9% and 51.9% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and ending with 54.5% in 2016. The "Watch TV 5x per week" indicator recorded a sharp drop between 2013 (27.9%) and 2015 (22.7%), as well as the consumption of soft drinks, which went from stable values in 2013 (19.5%) and 2014 (19%) 17.3% in 2015.Conclusion: In the case of Brazil, the economic crisis initially started in 2015 had a negative impact on the population over time, but these effects were only observed in the second year of crisis, being preceded by a temporary improvement of indicators.

Download Full-text

Percentage of Foveal versus Total Macular Geographic Atrophy as a Predictor of Visual Acuity in Age-related Macular Degeneration

10.1101/544254 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Saghar Bagheri ◽

Ines Lains ◽

Rebecca Silverman ◽

Ivana Kim ◽

Dean Eliott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Fundus Autofluorescence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Geographic Atrophy ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact ◽

Foveal Sparing

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between visual acuity (VA), total area of geographic atrophy (GA) and percentage of foveal GA.MethodsMulticenter, retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with GA due to age-related macular degeneration. Demographics, VA, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were collected. Using FAF images aided by OCT, foveal sparing status, GA pattern, total GA size, and percentage of GA covering the foveal area - area within a 1.5 mm diameter circle centered on the fovea centralis - were assessed. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.Results54 eyes (mean age 78.7 ±7.7 (SD), 60.0% female) were studied. Mean VA was 0.8 ± 0.6 logMAR, mean total GA 8.8 ± 6.7 mm2 and mean percentage of foveal GA was 71.5 ± 30.9%. Of all assessed eyes, 48.2% (n = 26) presented with multifocal GA, and 18.5% (n = 10) had foveal sparing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, controlling for age and GA pattern, the percentage of foveal GA presented a statistically significant association with VA (ß = 0.41, P = 0.004). No significant associations were observed with mean total GA size, while controlling for the same variables (ß = 0.010, P = 0.440).ConclusionPercentage of foveal GA was significantly associated with VA impairment, while the same was not verified for total GA area. These findings suggest that percentage of foveal GA may represent a more useful tool for assessing the impact of GA on VA. Further validation is needed in larger cohorts.

Download Full-text

Percentage of Foveal vs Total Macular Geographic Atrophy as a Predictor of Visual Acuity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases ◽

10.1177/2474126419859454 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 278-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Saghar Bagheri ◽

Ines Lains ◽

Rebecca F. Silverman ◽

Ivana Kim ◽

Dean Eliott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Fundus Autofluorescence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Geographic Atrophy ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact ◽

Sd Oct

Purpose: This article investigates the relationship between visual acuity (VA), total area of geographic atrophy (GA), and percentage of foveal GA. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted of patients with GA due to age-related macular degeneration. Demographics, VA, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images were collected. Using FAF images aided by SD-OCT, fovea-sparing status, GA pattern, total GA size, and percentage of GA covering the foveal area—within a 1.5-mm-diameter circle centered on the fovea centralis—were assessed. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Fifty-four eyes (mean age, 78.7 ±7.7 years [SD], 60.0% female) were studied. Mean VA was 0.8 ± 0.6 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent 20/126 ± 20/80), mean total GA 8.8 ± 6.7 mm2, and mean percentage of foveal GA was 71.5 ± 30.9%. Of all assessed eyes, 48.2% (n = 26) presented with multifocal GA, and 18.5% (n = 10) had foveal sparing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, controlling for age and GA pattern, the percentage of foveal GA presented a statistically significant association with VA (ß = 0.41, P = .004). No significant associations were observed with mean total GA size, while controlling for the same variables (ß = 0.010, P = .440). Conclusions: Percentage of foveal GA was significantly associated with VA impairment, although the same was not verified for total GA area. These findings suggest that percentage of foveal GA may represent a more useful tool for assessing the impact of GA on VA. Further validation is needed in larger cohorts.

Download Full-text

Singing experience influences swallowing function

10.21203/rs.3.rs-116319/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Naomi Yagi ◽

Yoshitada Sakai ◽

Naoko Kawamura ◽

Hitoshi Maezawa ◽

Yutaka Hata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Function ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Swallowing Function ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Disease ◽

Vocal Training ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract It has recently been shown that the aging population is refractory to the maintenance of swallowing function, which can seriously affect quality of life. Singing and vocal training contribute to mastication, swallowing and respiratory function. Previous studies have shown that singers have better vocal cord health. No consensus has been reached as to how vocal training affects swallowing function. Our study was designed to establish evidence that singers are statistically superior at swallowing function. In an effort to test our hypothesis we undertook a clinical trial on 55 singers and 141 non-singers (mean age: 60.1 ± 11.7 years). This cross-sectional study with propensity score matching resulted in significant differences in the repetitive saliva swallowing test among singers: 7.1 ± 2.4, n =53 vs non-singers: 5.9 ± 1.9, n =53, p < 0.05. We therefore conclude that singing can serve an important role in stabilizing the impact of age-related disease on speech.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions on Satisfaction with Life and the Mediating Role of Loneliness

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13169293 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (16) ◽

pp. 9293 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Orçun Muhammet Şimşek ◽

Orhan Koçak ◽

Mustafa Z. Younis

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Young People ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Cognitive Distortions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Loneliness and cognitive distortions have serious negative effects on life satisfaction and are seen as related to each other. However, what mediates in these relationships has not been adequately analyzed. This study aims to analyze the effect between cognitive distortions and life satisfaction by asserting the mediating role of loneliness. For this purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional study with 978 people over the age of 20 from various parts of Turkey using a general screening model. Firstly, we analyzed the direct effect of interpersonal rejection, interpersonal misperception, and unrealistic relationship expectation, which are sub-dimensions of cognitive distortions, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Secondly, we analyzed the effects of independent, mediation, and interaction (Loneliness X age) variables on satisfaction with life. Thirdly, we applied direct regression analysis between independent, mediating, and dependent variables to conduct the mediation analysis of the study. Also, we examined age as a moderator between loneliness and life satisfaction. The results showed loneliness as an essential determinant between cognitive distortions and life satisfaction. Moreover, in the moderation analysis, we found some age-related differences between loneliness and life satisfaction. According to this, both loneliness and life satisfaction increased with increasing age. However, life satisfaction decreased as loneliness increased in young people. Being able to compensate for loneliness in the aging process is an essential psychological indicator. Although young people have more opportunities than older people, their ability to cope with negative situations such as loneliness is largely undeveloped. These results showed both psychological and sociological problems of loneliness. Therefore, the results can be useful for the prevention of loneliness and the development of intervention programs.

Download Full-text

Impact of drusen and drusenoid retinal pigment epithelium elevation size and structure on the integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium layer

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311782 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 103 (2) ◽

pp. 227-232 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ferdinand Schlanitz ◽

Bernhard Baumann ◽

Stefan Sacu ◽

Lukas Baumann ◽

Michael Pircher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retinal Pigment Epithelium ◽

Pigment Epithelium ◽

Retinal Pigment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Photoreceptor Layer ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact ◽

Size And Structure

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of drusen size and structure on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor layers in eyes with early to intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT).DesignRetrospective investigation of an observational cross-sectional study.ParticipantsPatients with early to intermediate AMD.MethodsTwenty-five eyes of 25 patients with drusen were imaged with polarisation-sensitive OCT using macular volume scans. Each scan was manually graded for six distinct drusen characteristics and the integrity of both the overlying RPE and photoreceptor layer. The central scan of each single druse, as well as its diameter and location, were selected for statistical calculations.ResultsA total number of 5933 individual drusen including their adjacent RPE and photoreceptor layer were evaluated. 41.3% of all drusen demonstrated an intact overlying RPE; in 28.1% the RPE layer was irregular, but continuous. In 30.6%, the RPE layer signal was discontinuous above the area of drusen. The level of RPE alteration was significantly related to shape (p<0.001), internal reflectivity (p<0.001) and homogeneity (p<0.001) of the drusen and their diameter, with a higher probability for larger drusen to have a discontinuous RPE (OR 3.2, p<0.001). The number of drusen showing overlying foci or an altered photoreceptor layer was too small to be conclusive, but showed a trend towards an altered RPE if present.ConclusionsPolarisation-sensitive OCT reveals a correlation between specific drusen characteristics and the integrity of the overlying RPE layer. Drusen diameter and configuration were significantly associated with RPE loss.

Download Full-text

The Necessity of Developing AIDS and Reproductive Health Indicators for Iranian Adolescents in the National Health System; The Evaluation of Indicators among 18-24 Year Old University Students of Shahroud, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944501811010339 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 339-347 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katayon Vakilian ◽

Afsaneh Keramat ◽

Mousavi Seyyed Abbas

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

National Health System ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Male Students ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Service Programs ◽

The Difference ◽

The Impact

Background and Objectives:Indicators are required to assess health needs as well as monitor, implement and evaluate the impact of health promotion programs. In the present study, efficacious indicators in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and enhancement of reproductive health were developed and measured.Materials and Methods:After creating a database, the indicators were presented to a panel of experts. A total of 28 indicators, which were divided into three domain categoriesviz: “knowledge”, “attitude” and “behavior” were developed after prioritization. In the next stage, 1500 male and female students within the age bracket of 18-24 were included after ascertaining the validity and reliability of some of the study's questionnaires. Multistage sampling was employed. After obtaining approval from universities and the respective professors, the questionnaires were distributed to students. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20 and Pearson's descriptive-analytical statistics.Results:Responding to whether “AIDS can be transmitted through the use of a previously used toilet by an individual suffering from AIDS” or not, 168 (18.8%) female and 166 (32.0%) male students answered correctly, with the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.001). A total of 293 (40.6%) male students believed that the perfect age for males to get married was 26 or under. A total of 157 (30.4%) female and 267 (29.5%) male students believed that the majority of their single friends had never had sexual relations, respectively.Conclusion:Planning can be carried out to reduce factors that adversely affect the enhancement of adolescents’ reproductive and sexual health through the measurement of such indicators, including educational and service programs that provide a better access to such services for adolescents.

Download Full-text

Multidisciplinary team decision is rare and decreasing in percutaneous vascular interventions despite positive impact on in-hospital outcomes

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000771 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 262-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christian-Alexander Behrendt ◽

Tilo Kölbel ◽

Thea Schwaneberg ◽

Holger Diener ◽

Ralf Hohnhold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multidisciplinary Team ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Invasive Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hospital Outcomes ◽

Vascular Intervention ◽

Medical Specialties ◽

Team Decision ◽

The Impact

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.

Download Full-text