[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by isocyanate exposure during recreational painting]

A 36-year-old man began painting his car as a hobby every weekend in early February 2007 using a paint containing isocyanate. In March, 2007, he developed a dry cough, dyspnea and fever of 40 degrees C. These symptoms appeared repeatedly several hours after engaging in painting activity. His chest X-ray film showed diffuse small granular and reticular shadows in bilateral lung fields. His computed tomogram showed ground glass images in bilateral lung fields. Pulmonary function tests showed significantly decreased DLco. Histological findings of transbronchial lung biopsy revealed cellular interstitial pneumonia. These symptoms improved after cessation of painting and administration of prednisolone. Based on these results, we diagnosed this patient's illness as hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to isocyanate exposure.

Impairment and employment issues after nerve repair in the hand and forearm

PURPOSE

To evaluate retrospectively subjective impairments, experienced disabilities, job and leisure restrictions and job changes in patients at least 2 years after repair of a peripheral nerve injury in the forearm, wrist or hand.

METHODS

Between January 1,997 and January 2,000, 125 patients were treated surgically for a peripheral nerve injury in the hand and forearm at the Department of Plastic Surgery of a University Hospital. Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Using a questionnaire the ability to return to work (RTW), the possible consequences on Activities of Daily Life (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Life (IADL), job, hobby and housekeeping related disabilities and subjective pain were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty of the 61 included patients returned the questionnaire. As a result of the injury, seven patients (19%) were not able to return to their own job and eight patients (20%) needed to quit or change their hobbies. Mean Time Off Work (TOW) was significantly longer (p=0.024) in non-digital nerve lesions (21.4 weeks) as compared to digital nerve lesions (9.5 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

From this study it was concluded that digital nerve lesions have little consequence on the ability to return to work and the time off work. However, the patients' hobbies are significantly affected. At least 2 years after the injury, the effects on ADL and IADL are minor.

Subcutaneous nodules with sporotrichoid spread

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium marinum is an atypical mycobacterium found worldwide and associated with swimming pools and aquariums. Infections typically present with subcutaneous nodules and lymphangitis.

CASE REPORT

A 61-year-old female presented with a two-month history of subcutaneous nodules. The patient had a significant recent history that included rose gardening and cleaning her aquarium at home. Biopsy for histology and tissue culture proved the presence of infection with Mycobacterium marinum and the patient was treated with minocycline. The nodules eventually healed and no new lesions appeared after initiation of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Mycobacterium marinum is one of many entities that must be considered in a patient with ascending nodules along the lymphatic drainage of an extremity.

Habit tic deformity secondary to guitar playing

A 29-year-old man exhibited linear ridges of the right thumbnail that had been present for ten years. After he stopped playing the guitar for three months, the proximal portion of the abnormality cleared. Nail changes similar to the habit tic deformity may be produced by guitar playing.

Splintering of tourism market: new appearing forms of cultural tourism as a consequence of changes in everyday lives

Within the concept of cultural tourism, this article defines relatively new concepts of creative and hobby tourism, which are detected as recent niche markets. Cultural tourism is a narrow specialized market, while creative and hobby tourism relate to even more specialized segments. Even these specialized forms of tourism have their market whose growth is very probable taking into account changes in everyday work as well as changes in the values of human activity in general. These changes reflect also the sector of tourism, which is obvious in the ever growing splintering of tourism market as well as of tourism forms. The article reviews theoretical concepts of cultural, creative and hobby tourism as to prepare the basis for applied tourist programmes. It looks into the history of cultural tourism as to see what changes occurred and brought it to life. Changes that have taken place in everyday lives of people and the impact of everyday free time activities on tourism are also analysed. Further splintering of the cultural tourism sector is noticed and cultural tourism sub-forms are detected by analysing some of the leading home style and creativity magazines. The article also proposes possible application of push/pull factors to creative/hobby tourism.

[Physical fitness in relation to age and body build of young chess players]

INTRODUCTION

Specificity of chess training promotes sedentary lifestyle and may reduce chess players participation in different physical activities. Limited physical activity leads to decrease of physical fitness and may augment the risk of overweight and obesity. It is suggested that these athletes will characterize more frequently lower physical fitness and weight/height proportions disorders. The aim of the study was evaluation of physical fitness and its relationship with age and body build of athletes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A sample of 73 individuals (35 girls--48% and 38 boys--52%) aged 8-19 years took part in this study. All competitors were members of national team and Polish representatives for the European and world chess championship. Chess players' physical fitness was measured by EUROFIT tests.

RESULTS

With reference to the Polish population chess players characterized higher level of physical fitness. In six tests of EUROFIT chess players had better standardized results than controls. Sit ups (mean standardized result 0.842), shuttle run 10 x 5 m (0.577), standing broad jump (0.552) and flamingo balance (0.371) were very well performed by chess players. Only in one test, bent arm hang, sportsmen achieved worse results (-0.719). Permanent decrease of chess players' physical fitness with age was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although chess players' physical fitness was satisfied in comparison to age-matched control, it is recommended to include in their training more exercises developing strength. Because of changes in body build with age and decrease of physical fitness, chess players ought to participate in regular physical activity. Therefore chess organisers should provide the variety of active forms that can be chosen by competitors in their leisure time.

So you want to be a dentist? An investigative report

The purpose of this study was to identify a testing mechanism that could predict a student's hand skills performance if they chose a career in dentistry. Hand eye coordination is an important developmental skill required to navigate the rigorous dental school curriculum. These skills traditionally were assessed by using a carving chalk block exercise. This "gold standard" for determining a student's digital dexterity was used for many years in dental education. We postulated that a survey could take the place of chalk carving and still be a reliable predictor of a student's performance. A questionnaire was developed looking at a dental student's everyday activities and hobbies. We wanted to determine if a correlation could be made between hand-eye coordination activities and a student's preclinical grades. Analysis of the questionnaire given to ninety-seven first year students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine showed a direct correlation between activities that students were involved in prior to beginning dental education and the quality of their preclinical dental skills. With insightful interpretation, the use of this type of questionnaire might help locate individuals that are suited for dentistry, and allow potential students to have greater confidence in choosing dentistry or a related field.

Allergic contact hobby dermatitis from turpentine

INTRODUCTION

Turpentine is an oleoresin obtained from various species of pine. It contains a volatile oil (oil of turpentine) which is responsible for its properties and this is the form generally used. Opportunity for contact with turpentine is widespread. It is universally used as a solvent to dissolve and thin lacquers, varnishes and paints. It is also an ingredient in many liniments and cold remedies. Turpentine is regarded as both a local irritant and a sensitizer. Cases of allergic contact dermatitis in painters, mechanics, shoe repairers and home decorators have been reported.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a non-professional painter who developed a contact allergic dermatitis due to his exposure to turpentine while doing oil-painting as a hobby.

DISCUSSION

Dermatitis is one of the biggest dangers of working with art materials and occupational contact dermatitis is often detected on the hands of the painters. Solvents are indispensable and turpentine is the most important and the traditional one used in oil-painting. Contact allergy to oil of turpentine was reported to have become rare in Europe but over the last few years, increased rates of turpentine sensitization have been reported.

[Nutritional habits of young chess players]

INTRODUCTION

Proper nutrition plays significant role in children's development and health protection in adults, as well. Therefore such a study is extremely important particularly among youth population. It is well known that adequate nutrition also helps to achieve high sport results. The aim of the study was the nutritional habits evaluation of young chess players.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 75 chess players aged 8-19 years took part in the study. Among them there were 36 girls (48%) and 39 boys (52%). Subjects belonged to the Polish Chess Academy, medalists of the Polish, European and world youth championships and members of the Polish national team. Used questionnaire allowed to collect data about regular diet of young athletes.

RESULTS

Recommended number of 4-5 meals per day was consumed only by 55% persons. Another observed disadvantageous nutritional habit among responders was missing first breakfasts (75%), especially during competitions. Less than half of subjects declared regular meals intake during the day (from 25 to 43%). Moreover, it was noticed, that 13,3% chess players ate vegetables and fruits only one time per day. Sweets were taken at least one time per day by 22 to 50% participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to numerous nutritional mistakes in studied population it is compulsory to conduct nutritional education among athletes and among their parents and coaches as well.

Trace element levels in adults from the west coast of Canada and associations with age, gender, diet, activities, and levels of other trace elements

The purpose of this study was to assess trace element levels in whole blood, serum and urine of 61 non-smoking adults living on the west coast of Canada and to determine their association with the following variables: age, gender, diet, participation in certain hobby and/or occupational activities, and levels of other trace elements. Participants or their spouses were employed as oyster growers and were originally recruited to study the absorption of cadmium from oyster consumption. Trace elements were measured using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A telephone interview was used to assess participant's intake of selected foods and the amount of time they have spent on certain activities over the lifetime. Comparison of results to previous studies revealed that blood lead, blood mercury, serum nickel, serum selenium and urine molybdenum levels were generally higher in this study than have previously been measured, possibly due to higher consumption of seafood in this sample. Men had statistically higher levels of serum iron, blood lead, and serum selenium, while women had statistically higher levels of serum copper and blood manganese. Blood lead levels increased with age. Diet had a statistically significant association with several elements. Consumption of spinach, seaweed, organ meats, and shellfish tended to be positively correlated with trace element concentrations and consumption of various forms of potatoes tended to be negatively correlated. Several statistically significant correlations were also observed between trace elements.

Predictors of alcohol use during the first year of college: implications for prevention

The first year of college is a unique transition period, in which the student establishes a college identity and social network. Alcohol use is often part of this process, and many first-year college students develop a pattern of heavy drinking that puts them at risk for adverse consequences during their college years and into young adulthood. To better understand the development of risky alcohol use during this transition, we reviewed the literature on influences on college drinking and identified moderators and mediators that were particularly relevant for first-year alcohol use. As the transition from high school to college presents a unique opportunity for intervention, we discuss how these moderators and mediators can inform alcohol abuse prevention programs. We also identify approaches aimed at changing the culture of alcohol use on campus. Limitations of the reviewed research are highlighted in the context of promising directions for future research.

Leisure time activity and new onset of wheezing during adolescence

Asthma prevalence is increasing in adult and paediatric patients. In the present study, the association between different leisure time activities and new onset of wheezing was analysed in adolescents aged 16-18 yrs taking part in a questionnaire-based follow-up of the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood in Munich and Dresden, Germany. Of the 3,785 adolescents who took part in the follow-up (76% response), 2,910 adolescents without earlier episodes of wheezing in childhood were included in the analyses. Of these, 330 (11.3%) reported new onset of wheeze during the previous 12 months. In the bivariate analyses, exercising more than once per week or performing computer work >1 h.day(-1) were inversely related to new onset of wheeze. In contrast, visiting discotheques on a regular basis increased the risk of new onset of wheeze (12.9 versus 9.9%). The observed inverse relationship between physical activity and new onset of wheeze was not an independent effect but mediated by differences in active smoking. The association between physical activity and new onset of wheeze disappeared when active smoking was taken into account. However, the present data do not allow for determining whether smoking operated as a confounder or as an intermediate factor, i.e. whether physical activities prevented active smoking.

Pastime in a pub: observations of young adults' activities and alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption typically takes place in a time-out situation, which can be spent by engaging in several leisure time activities. Usually, conversation is the dominant pastime in a bar, but this may take place during other activities, like watching TV or playing games. These activities may inhibit drinking because of the physical difficulties of drinking and being active at the same time. Findings of an observational study on drinking in young adults (N=238) in a bar lab will be discussed. In the present study, we followed the ad-lib drinking of peer groups (7-9 persons) during 1-h periods. The results suggest that (1) selection of activities is not related to initial drinking level or personality characteristics; (2) active pastime is related to slower drinking than passive pastime (in males); (3) male problem drinkers appear to compensate for the "lost" amount of drinking after an active phase; and (4) involvement in active pastime is not related to total alcohol consumption. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Association of television viewing with fasting and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose levels in adults without diagnosed diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations of television viewing time with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose (2-h PG) levels in Australian adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 8,357 adults aged > 35 years who were free from diagnosed diabetes and who attended a population-based cross-sectional study (Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study [AusDiab]) were evaluated. Measures of FPG and 2-h PG were obtained from an oral glucose tolerance test. Self-reported television viewing time (in the previous week) was assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-%S) and beta-cell function (HOMA-%B) were calculated based on fasting glucose and insulin concentrations.

RESULTS

After adjustment for confounders and physical activity time, time spent watching television in women was positively associated with 2-h PG, log fasting insulin, and log HOMA-%B and inversely associated with log HOMA-%S (P < 0.05) but not with FPG. No significant associations were observed with glycemic measures in men. The beta-coefficients across categories of average hours spent watching television per day (< 1.0, 1.0-1.9, 2.0-2.9, 3.0-3.9, and > or = 4.0) for 2-h PG in women were 0 (reference), 0.009, 0.047, 0.473, and 0.501, respectively (P for trend = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the unique deleterious relationship of sedentary behavior (indicated by television viewing time) and glycemic measures independent of physical activity time and adiposity status. These relationships differed according to sex and type of glucose measurement, with the 2-h PG measure being more strongly associated with television viewing. The findings suggest an important role for reducing sedentary behavior in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially in women.