Impact of Tailored Multicomponent Exercise for Preventing Weakness and Falls on Nursing Home Residents’ Functional Capacity

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether the benefits of long (24 weeks) and short (4 weeks) training programs persisted after short (6 weeks) and long (14 weeks) periods of inactivity in older adult nursing home residents with sarcopenia.DesignMulticenter randomized trial.InterventionThe Vivifrail tailored, multicomponent exercise program (http://vivifrail.com) was conducted to individually prescribe exercise for frail older adults, depending on their functional capacity. The training included 4 levels combining strength and power, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance exercises.Setting and ParticipantsTwenty-four institutionalized older adults (87.1 ± 7.1 years, 58.3% women) diagnosed with sarcopenia were allocated into 2 groups: the Long Training-Short Detraining (LT-SD) group completed 24 weeks of supervised Vivifrail training followed by 6 weeks of detraining; the Short Training-Long Detraining (ST-LD) group completed 4 weeks of training and 14 weeks of detraining.MeasuresChanges in functional capacity and strength were evaluated at baseline, and after short and long training and detraining periods.ResultsBenefits after short and long exercise interventions persisted when compared with baseline. Vivifrail training was highly effective in the short term (4 weeks) in increasing functional and strength performance (effect size = 0.32-1.44, P < .044) with the exception of handgrip strength. Continued training during 24 weeks produced 10% to 20% additional improvements (P < .036). Frailty status was reversed in 36% of participants, with 59% achieving high self-autonomy. Detraining resulted in a 10% to 25% loss of strength and functional capacity even after 24 weeks of training (effects size = 0.24-0.92, P < .039).Conclusions and ImplicationsIntermittent strategies such as 4 weeks of supervised exercise 3 times yearly with no more than 14 weeks of inactivity between exercise periods appears as an efficient solution to the global challenge of maintaining functional capacity and can even reverse frailty in vulnerable institutionalized older adults.     

Hatchery workers’ IgG antibody profiles to airborne bacteria

Occupational exposure to high concentrations of airborne bacteria in poultry production is related to an increased risk of respiratory disorders. However, etiology and in particular microorganisms’ potential role in pathogenesis still needs to be elucidated. Thus, detection of specific antibodies against occupational microbial antigens may lead to identification of potentially harmful species. For the purpose of IgG titer determination, indirect immunofluorescence on various bacterial isolates from duck hatchery air was combined with image-based quantification of fluorescence intensity. Moreover, in addition to established assays with pure bacterial cultures, a new approach utilized complex bioaerosol samples for detection of anti-microbial antibodies in human sera by determination of percentages of antibody-bound cells in different serum dilutions. Mean titers in sera from hatchery workers and a non-exposed control group did not display significant differences for most tested isolates and application of comprehensive cluster analysis to entire titer data revealed no structure reflecting workers and controls group. Furthermore, determination of immunoreactivity to the complete microbial community in workplace air displayed similar proportions of antibody-bound cells in both groups. Although no general differences in immunoreaction patterns were observed, mean titers to a Proteus mirabilis isolate and to 3 of 4 distinct Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were higher in the group of hatchery workers than in the reference group indicating a potential applicability as exposure markers. We conclude, despite long term bioaerosol exposure, hatchery workers’ IgG antibody profiles to tested antigens did not differ substantially from those of the control group. However, increased workers’ titers to A. baumannii and clinical relevance of this species should lead to further investigations regarding potential involvement in pathogenesis of occupational respiratory disorders.     

The long-term evolution of young adults’ risk profiles for CVD

Introduction

Prospective epidemiological studies on the evolution of the cardiovascular risk-profile in young adulthood have not been published so far for Germany.

Methods

In 1975 a sample of 5 924 adolescents aged 15–19 was examined at schools in the city of Cologne. After reexamination in 1976 und 1980, a long-term follow-up was carried out with those still living in the city and thus being easily available in 1990. For that purpose 613 former adolescents were identified and invited to the university hospital; 210 young adults (143 males (M) and 67 females (F)) now 30 – 34 years old were examined for main cardiovascular risk factors using the same methodology as in 1975.

Results

Whereas systolic and diastolic (phase 5) blood pressures (SBP and DBF) did not change very much, the means of total cholesterol (CHOL) and body-mass (BMI) increased considerably (CHOL from 158 mg/dl in 1975 to 195 in 1990 (M) and from 176 to 199 (F); BMI from 20.8 kg/sqm to 24.1 (M) and from 20.6 to 22.7 (F)). Pearson correlations increased especially between SBP and DBP (from .21 to .52 (M) and from .45 to .65 (F)) and between DBP and BMI (from .16 to .26 (M) and from .25 to .40 (F)). Autocorrelations remained quite high over the entire period (SBP .43, DBP .48, CHOL .42 and BMI.71 (M) and .51, .36, .49 and .81 (F)). Regression analysis shows that 51 % of the variance of SBP and of DBP in 1990 can be explained mainly by the foregoing measurements, but only 24 % of the variance of total cholesterol. Risk patterns in terms of aggregation of risk factors and risk habits worsened considerably during the 15 years of observation.

Conclusion

Given the rarity of longitudinal risk factor observations in early adulthood, the Cologne data underline the considerable stability of cardiovascular risk factors also during this period of life and stress the importance of appropriate monitoring and intervention early in life.     

Sports and martial arts activities for public health purposes: the musician’s risk profiles and exercise-based health care as a model

Purpose

The common saying that sports promote good health is in line with main results of sports medicine, but conflicting with the high amount of sports injuries and sports-related diseases. This paper contributes to the discussion of the pros and cons of sports, particularly of the martial arts. It intends to shed light on the benefits of sports in the general public and to explore the enormous and yet unexploited potential of individually tailored sport activities for public health.

Methods

Comparative analyses and meta-synthesis of empirical studies on the health benefits of sports. Musicians with very heterogeneous work-related risk profiles serve as a model for inductive generalisation.

Results

For health promotion and to avoid adverse outcomes, sport activities must take one’s physical status and risk profiles into account and refer to well-adjusted training zones. This encompasses musculoskeletal and biomotor factors, behavioural means to rebalance the nervous system, cardiorespiratory fitness, mental health and psychological benefits, and active pain management and pain relief.

Conclusion

Sports organisations provide a wide spectrum of facilities for sports-oriented lifestyles; however, informal experience and relevant publications let us assume that they rather do not explore how to optimise preventative and health-related benefits, except for training with personal coaches. And yet, relatively simple screening methods and individually adjusted intensities, modes, and frequencies of trainings can enhance benefits and greatly contribute to public health, which would, however, require a stronger health awareness of providers and specific education of sports coaches.

     

Effects of ��-lipoic acid and L-carnosine supplementation on antioxidant activities and lipid profiles in rats

α-Lipoic acid and L-carnosine are powerful antioxidants and are often used as a health supplement and as an ergogenic aid. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of α-lipoic acid and/or L-carnosine supplementation on antioxidant activity in serum, skin, and liver of rats and blood lipid profiles for 6 weeks. Four treatment groups received diets containing regular rat chow diet (control, CON), 0.5% α-lipoic acid (ALA), 0.25% α-lipoic acid + 0.25% L-carnosine (ALA + LC), or 0.5% L-carnosine (LC). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, were analyzed in serum, skin, and liver. Blood lipid profiles were measured, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Skin and liver SOD activities of the ALA and LC groups were higher than those of the CON group (P < 0.05), but serum SOD activity was higher only in the LC group compared to that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, only liver GSH-Px activity in the LC group was higher than that of the CON and the other groups. Serum and skin MDA levels in the ALA and LC groups were lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Serum TG and TC in the ALA and ALA + LC groups were lower than those in the CON and LC groups (P < 0.05). The HDL-C level in the LC group was higher than that in any other group (P < 0.05). LDL-C level was lower in the ALA + LC and LC groups than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Thus, α-lipoic acid and L-carnosine supplementation increased antioxidant activity, decreased lipid peroxidation in the serum, liver, and skin of rats and positively modified blood lipid profiles.     

Exploring preschool teachers’ professional profiles in Swedish preschool: a latent class analysis

This article explores preschool teachers’ professional profiles in Sweden. Considering various educational policy reforms in Sweden the last decades, this study is grounded in interactionist perspectives and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological model. A set of multiple professional indicators related to preschool teachers’ educational background, personal characteristics and their working context were analysed applying latent class analysis as a person-oriented approach. The sample consists of 698 preschool teachers across different preschools in 46 municipalities in Sweden. The analysis revealed two subgroups of preschool teachers’ professional profiles: (a) late educated (after the introduction of preschool curriculum in 1998) and (b) early educated (before the introduction of preschool curriculum in 1998). The pattern of graduation year, experience, continuous professional development and specified assignment in preschool was the most distinctive pattern across these profiles. Findings add to the ongoing debate on preschool teachers’ professionalization suggesting an alternative analytic approach examining multiple indicators characterizing preschool teachers’ professional profiles.     

Does tiger parenting work in contemporary China? Exploring the relationships between parenting profiles and preschoolers’ school readiness in a Chinese context

ABSTRACT

This study explored the relationships between parenting profiles and young children’s school readiness in urban China. Eighty-six pairs of Chinese parents completed the Chinese Parenting Style Questionnaire (CPSQ), and their children were administered the Bracken School Readiness Composite (BSRC; Bracken, B. A. (1998). Bracken basic concept scale: Revised. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.) and Preschool and Primary Chinese Literacy Scale (PPCLS; Li, H. (1999). Development and validation of the Preschool and Primary Chinese Literacy Scale. Psychological Development and Education, 15, 18–24.). A set of statistical analyses was conducted to explore the relationship between the three types of parenting profiles (supportive, tiger and easygoing) and children’s scores in BSRC and PPCLS, and four typical couples were invited to attend semi structured interviews. The results indicated that: (1) Inter-parental consistency in supportive parenting were associated with better children’s school readiness, but not for consistency in easygoing or tiger parenting; (2) Tiger mothers were not associated with better outcomes in either boys or girls; (3) Significant interaction effect was found between child gender and parenting profile. The findings have implications for the theoretical development of parental education and related programmes. Understanding the differentiated parenting styles and practices with boys and girls will help parents and educators to improve their educational practices.     

‘Tiger mom,panda dad’: a study of contemporary Chinese parenting profiles

The goal of this study was to explore the inter-parental differences and the major clusters of Chinese parenting profile in a sample of preschoolers’ fathers and mothers in urban China. Eighty-six Chinese couples in Shenzhen completed a parenting style questionnaire, and four couples were interviewed to provide additional illumination. A paired t-test was used to find inter-parental differences and cluster analysis was used to find major clusters of parenting profiles. Mothers were more authoritarian than fathers. Three major clusters of parenting profiles were found: easy-going parenting, followed by tiger parenting and supportive parenting. Inter-parental differences existed among these couples, and ‘tiger moms’ and ‘panda dads’ were common in these Chinese families.     

Young Adults’ and Industry Experts’ Subjective and Objective Knowledge of Beer and Food Pairings

Food and wine pairings are commonly seen in empirical research. Little research exists on beer and food pairings, yet food analysts are taking note of higher rates of beer and food pairings occurring. This exploratory study examines expert and novice knowledge of beer and food pairings. A survey was used to identify both subjective and objective knowledge along with determining appropriateness of expert and novice choices. Findings indicated males had greater objective knowledge of beer and food pairing compared to females, although both have similar subjective scores, and industry experts more accurately paired beers with foods than novices.     

Patient Simulations Improve Dietetics Students’ and Interns’ Communication and Nutrition-Care Competence

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of simulated patients on dietetics students’ and interns’ communication and nutrition-care competence.DesignPre-post observational study in which students’ communication and nutrition-care competence was evaluated during the first and final clinical nutrition simulations in winter, 2017.SettingUniversity of Guelph, Canada.ParticipantsSeventeen undergraduate students enrolled in Applied Clinical Skills (NUTR*4120) and 15 graduate students/interns enrolled in Practicum in Applied Nutrition II (FRAN*6720).Variables MeasuredSelected communication and nutrition-care performance indicators (PI) (undergraduates = 18; graduate = 33) included in the Canadian Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice, each measured out of a maximum of 3 points.AnalysisGrand means of communication and nutrition-care PI scores were compared across 2 time points using paired t tests, at a significance level of .05.ResultsUndergraduates’ (n = 15) communication and nutrition-care PI scores increased by 0.9 ± 0.35 (49.7%) and 0.8 ± 0.22 (45.8%) points, respectively (both P < .001). Graduate students’ communication and nutrition-care PI scores increased by 0.4 ± 0.45 (18.5%) and 0.7 ± 0.59 (37.9%) points, respectively (both P < .01).Conclusions and ImplicationsSimulated patients incorporated into clinical nutrition courses increase dietetics students’ and interns’ communication and nutrition-care competence. More research using comprehensive practice-based competency assessment tools is needed in larger samples of students and interns.     

Environmental risk and protective factors of adolescents’ and youths’ mental health: differences between parents’ appraisal and self-reports

Purpose

We investigated the effect of parents’ mental health, life events, and home life (among other factors) on adolescents’/youths’ mental health, whether such an effect varies when several variables are assessed jointly, and also whether the informant source of the mental health problem modifies the estimations.

Methods

We studied a representative sample of 454 Spanish adolescents/youths studied longitudinally (2 assessments, 3 years apart). We considered factors associated with adolescents’/youths’ mental health (conduct, emotional, and hyperactivity scores [SDQ]): risk factors (parents’ mental health and life events) and mediators (social and financial support). Structural equation modeling was applied. We constructed two models: (a) with parents’ SDQ responses and (b) with self-reported SDQ responses (in a subsample of N = 260).

Results

Model fit was adequate for parents’ appraisal. Parents’ mental health (p < 0.05) and undesirable life events (p < 0.05) were the most important risk factors. The same model showed poorer fit when self-reported measures were used. Home life exerted a stronger protective effect on adolescents’/youths’ mental health when reported by adolescents/youths. The negative effect of parents’ mental health was significantly protected by home life in emotional [?0.14 (0.07)] and hyperactivity scores [?0.2 (0.08)].

Conclusions

Even in the presence of other factors, parents’ mental health has an important effect on adolescents’/youths’ mental health. Good levels of home life are protective, especially when adolescents’/youths’ mental health is self-reported.     

Falls among older adults seen at a São Paulo State public hospital: causes and consequences

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the history of accidental falls reported by older adults, identifying possibly related factors, as well as place of occurrence, causes, and consequences. METHODS: The sample investigated included 50 older adults, of both sexes, ages 60 years or older, living in the city of Ribeir?o Preto, Southeastern Brazil, who had been seen at two inpatient units of a public hospital. Patient records were examined and household visits carried out for the application of a structured questionnaire including open, closed, and mixed questions related to the fall. RESULTS: Data obtained show a reality not substantially different from that observed in other countries. Most events occurred among older women (66%), with mean age 76 years, and at home. Causes were mainly related to physical environment (54%), and brought serious consequences to the subjects, fractures being the most common outcome (64%). Falls had a great impact on subjects' lives in terms of activities such as: lying down/getting up, walking on plain surfaces, cutting toenails, bathing/showering, walking outside home, taking care of financial issues, shopping, using public transportation, and climbing stairs. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that falls occurred among older adults have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences, reinforcing the need for fall prevention, in order to ensure greater quality of life, autonomy, and independence for the elderly.     

Urban and Rural Immigrant Latino Youths’ and Adults’ Knowledge and Beliefs about Mental Health Resources

Immigrant Latino youth experience mental health problems in the U.S. Cultural beliefs and knowledge may influence help-seeking behaviors. Two hundred thirty-four immigrant Latino respondents between 12 and 44 years of age completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge of and cultural beliefs regarding mental health resources for adolescents, symptoms, and help-seeking. Multivariate analyses showed that rural respondents were significantly less likely to know of mental health resources than urban-based immigrant Latinos. Knowledge and belief outcomes were also affected by age, gender, and length of time living in the community. Immigrant Latinos appear willing to seek professional help for mental health problems but may not know how to access this type of care, or may lack available services. Future research to inform interventions that increase awareness of accessible mental health services is suggested. Findings support systems-level changes including increased availability of culturally-specific mental health services, especially in rural areas.