Health effects of active commuting to work: The available evidence before GISMO

Sedentary lifestyle is a major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases. Global guidelines recommend for maintaining health in adults, at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity of physical activity throughout the week, but compliance is insufficient and health problems arise. One obvious way to overcome this is to integrate physical activity into the daily routine for example by active commuting to work. Scientific evidence, however, is scarce and therefore we set out to perform this systematic review of the available literature to improve understanding of the efficiency of active commuting initiatives on health. Literature searches were performed in PubMed and Cochrane database. Altogether, 37 studies were screened. Thereof, eight publications were reviewed, which included 555 participants. The mean study duration of the reviewed research was 36 ± 26 (8-72) weeks. Overall, active commuting in previously untrained subjects of both sexes significantly improved exercise capacity, maximal power, blood pressure, lipid parameters including cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference. Improvement was independent of the type of active commuting. Despite relatively few studies that were previously performed, this review revealed that active commuting has health beneficial effects comparable to those of moderate exercise training.

Effects of active commuting on cardiovascular risk factors: GISMO-a randomized controlled feasibility study

A sedentary lifestyle is a major modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases. Lifestyle modification in order to increase exercise capacity is key in the prevention and rehabilitation of chronic diseases. This could be achieved by active commute. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily active commuting on physical activity (PA) and exercise capacity. Seventy‐three healthy hospital employees (age: 46 ± 9 years, 38% male), with a predominantly passive way of commuting, were randomly assigned to two parallel groups, a control group (CG, N = 22) or an intervention group (IG, N = 51), which was further split into public transportation/active commuting (IG‐PT, N = 25) and cycling (IG‐C, N = 26). Both intervention groups were asked to reach 150 min/wk of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity exercise during their commute for 1 year. CG maintained a passive commuting mode. All participants underwent assessment of anthropometry, risk factor stratification, and exercise capacity by a medical doctor at the Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation. Weekly physical activity, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and commuting behavior, using an online diary, were used to assess physical activity. At the end of the study, the change in exercise capacity did significantly differ between IG and CG (P = .003, ES = 0.82). Actively covered distances through commuting significantly differed between groups (walking P = .026; cycling P < .001). Therefore, active commuting improves exercise capacity and can be recommended to the working population to increase exercise capacity.

Effects of active commuting to work for 12 months on cardiovascular risk factors and body composition

Active commuting has the potential to decrease cardiovascular risk by increasing physical activity. We aimed to investigate the effects of active commuting to work for 12 months on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, 73 hospital employees (age: 46 ± 9 years, 36% males), with a predominantly passive way of commuting, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG) in a 2:1 fashion. The IG was further divided into a public transportation plus active commuting group (IG‐PT) and a cycling group (IG‐C). Both IGs were prompted to reach 150 min/wk of moderate intensity exercise. Daily self‐reported commuting details were verified by GPS tracking. All subjects underwent assessment of body composition, resting blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profile at the beginning and end of the study. Data for final analyses were available in 62 subjects. Commuting details indicated that the subjects randomized to IG changed their commuting habits. HbA1c decreased by 0.2% [95%CI: −0.3, −0.2] in IG‐PT but was not statistically different between groups (P = .06). LDL cholesterol decreased in IG‐C by 0.8 mmol/L [−1.1, −0.4] and by 0.6 mmol/L [−1.2, 0.1] in IG‐PT which can be considered biologically relevant but did not yield statistical significance. Body composition and blood pressure did not differ between groups. Active commuting to work for 12 months did not change body composition but yielded relevant changes in lipid profile and glycemic control. Health benefits of active commuting should be addressed by healthcare professionals when counseling individuals that seek to improve their cardiovascular risk profile.

Effects of active commuting on health-related quality of life and sickness-related absence

Increased physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits. This study investigated the effect of active commuting (walking and cycling to work) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and absence days from work due to sickness in healthy working adults. In total, 73 participants (age: 46 ± 9 years), all working at a tertiary university hospital in Salzburg, Austria, were randomized into an intervention group (IG, n = 51) and a control group (CG, n = 22). The IG was asked to commute actively for twelve months, whereas the CG did not have to change their usual commuting behavior. IG was divided into two subgroups: IG-C (cycling, n = 26) was asked to commute by bicycle and IG-PT (public transport, n = 25) partially using public transportation and walked the remaining distance to work. Significant positive changes in IG were observed in four subcomponents of the SF-36 (physical functioning (95 [10] to 100 [8.8], P = .023), mental health (82 [15] to 86 [15], P = .036), vitality (65 [20] to 70 [14], P = .005), and general health (70 [19] to 80 [24], P = .004)) as well as the physical component summary score (56.5 [9] to 59.2 [6.3], P = .002). IG-C showed greater and more statistically significant changes regarding HRQoL compared to IG-PT. Associations between active commuting and sick-leave days were only observed in IG-PT (7.5 [14.8] to 4.0 [11.3] days, P = .038). In conclusion, active commuting improves various components of HRQoL and might therefore be a possible strategy to increase quality of life in the workforce.

Merging self-reported with technically sensed data for tracking mobility behavior in a naturalistic intervention study. Insights from the GISMO study

Sound exposure data are central for any intervention study. In the case of utilitarian mobility, where studies cannot be conducted in controlled environments, exposure data are commonly self‐reported. For short‐term intervention studies, wearable devices with location sensors are increasingly employed. We aimed to combine self‐reported and technically sensed mobility data, in order to provide more accurate and reliable exposure data for GISMO, a long‐term intervention study. Through spatio‐temporal data matching procedures, we are able to determine the amount of mobility for all modes at the best possible accuracy level. Self‐reported data deviate ±10% from the corrected reference. Derived modal split statistics prove high compliance to the respective recommendations for the control group (CG) and the two intervention groups (IG‐PT, IG‐C). About 73.7% of total mileage was travelled by car in CG. This share was 10.3% (IG‐PT) and 9.7% (IG‐C), respectively, in the intervention groups. Commuting distances were comparable in CG and IG, but annual mean travel times differ between x¯  = 8,458 min (σ = 6,427 min) for IG‐PT, x¯  = 8,444 min (σ = 5,961 min) for IG‐C, and x¯  = 5,223 min (σ = 5,463 min) for CG. Seasonal variabilities of modal split statistics were observable. However, in IG‐PT and IG‐C no shift toward the car occurred during winter months. Although no perfect single‐method solution for acquiring exposure data in mobility‐related, naturalistic intervention studies exists, we achieved substantially improved results by combining two data sources, based on spatio‐temporal matching procedures.

Dose-response relationship of active commuting to work: Results of the GISMO study

The positive health benefits of regular exercise, particularly regarding cardiovascular risk and diseases, are well recognized and scientifically evident. However, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors that are still insufficiently addressed. Leisure-time active commuting like walking and biking is an ideal way to improve exercise behavior in the general population. The purpose of this substudy of the GISMO study was to assess dose-response relations in all commuters and the three subgroups of commuters (physically active by bicycle and/or walking, physically active by using public transportation (PT), and the controls using their own vehicles). As such, a positive dose-response relationship could be confirmed in all physically active commuters compared to the control group. Whether the commuters cycled, walked, or traveled by PT -the more the physical exercise they performed (measured in metabolic equivalent [MET]-hours), the larger their gain in physical fitness (measured in gained or "Delta" Watt during a maximal exercise test), and their physical fitness at the end of the study was P = .016 and P = .003, respectively. Health-related quality of life correlated in two out of eight subdomains of the SF-36 questionnaire with MET-hours achieved during the study period (General Health and Physical Functioning). No clearly significant dose-response could be observed regarding HDL(high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol or body composition. Our results indicate a dose-response pattern of healthy commuting in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life to increase doses of physically active commuting.

Beta spectrometry with metallic magnetic calorimeters in the framework of the European EMPIR project MetroBeta

The aim of the European Metrology Research Project MetroBeta is to improve the knowledge of the shapes of beta spectra, both in terms of theoretical calculation and measurement. The precise knowledge of beta spectra is required for the activity standardisation of pure beta emitters. Metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs), a type of cryogenic detectors, with the beta emitter embedded in the absorber have proven to be among the best beta spectrometers, in particular for low-energy beta transitions. Within this project, new designs of MMCs optimized for five different beta energy ranges were developed and a new detector module was constructed. The beta spectra of ¹⁵¹Sm, ¹⁴C and ⁹⁹Tc have been measured so far; additional measurements with ³⁶Cl are under preparation. Improved theoretical calculation methods and complementary measurement techniques complete the project.

Measurement of the electron capture probabilities of 55Fe with a metallic magnetic calorimeter

The ratios of the electron capture probabilities P_K, P_L and P_M of ⁵⁵Fe have been measured with a metallic magnetic calorimeter, a specific type of cryogenic detector. The ⁵⁵Fe source was enclosed in the detector absorber, whose dimensions were chosen such that the detection efficiency for Mn K X-rays was larger than 99.99%. Since all electrons and photons emitted by the source are absorbed in the detector, the detection efficiency is virtually 100% for K, L and M captures. The energy threshold was low enough to allow for clear separation of the M captures (~ 80eV) from noise. The capture probability ratios were translated to capture probabilities using the recommended value for the probability of the undetected N captures. The resulting values are in agreement both with the recommended values of P_K, P_L and P_M and with the experimental data of Pengra and coworkers.

Development of 100 Mo -containing scintillating bolometers for a high-sensitivity neutrinoless double-beta decay search

This paper reports on the development of a technology involving 100 Mo -enriched scintillating bolometers, compatible with the goals of CUPID, a proposed next-generation bolometric experiment to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Large mass ( ∼ 1 kg ), high optical quality, radiopure 100 Mo -containing zinc and lithium molybdate crystals have been produced and used to develop high performance single detector modules based on 0.2-0.4 kg scintillating bolometers. In particular, the energy resolution of the lithium molybdate detectors near the Q-value of the double-beta transition of 100 Mo (3034 keV) is 4-6 keV FWHM. The rejection of the α -induced dominant background above 2.6 MeV is better than 8 σ . Less than 10 μ Bq/kg activity of 232 Th ( 228 Th ) and 226 Ra in the crystals is ensured by boule recrystallization. The potential of 100 Mo -enriched scintillating bolometers to perform high sensitivity double-beta decay searches has been demonstrated with only 10 kg × d exposure: the two neutrino double-beta decay half-life of 100 Mo has been measured with the up-to-date highest accuracy as T 1 / 2 = [6.90 ± 0.15(stat.) ± 0.37(syst.)] × 10 18 years . Both crystallization and detector technologies favor lithium molybdate, which has been selected for the ongoing construction of the CUPID-0/Mo demonstrator, containing several kg of 100 Mo .

Determination of absolute photon emission intensities of (210)Pb

Photon emission intensities of (210)Pb have been determined using sources prepared from a standard solution, whose activity was measured by liquid scintillation counting. The absolute γ-ray and X-ray emission intensity was measured by conventional γ-ray spectrometry. Complementary measurements of the L X-ray spectrum were performed using a cryogenic detector, characterized by very high energy resolution and constant detection efficiency. As a result, precise emission intensities of the individual X-ray lines were obtained taking into account the presence of satellite lines.

Beta spectrometry with metallic magnetic calorimeters

Metallic magnetic calorimeters are a specific type of cryogenic detectors that have been shown to enable precise measurement of the shape of low energy beta spectra. The aim of their use at LNHB is the determination of the shape factors of beta spectra. The beta source is enclosed in the detector absorber, allowing for very high detection efficiency. It has turned out that the type of source is of crucial importance for the correctness of the measured spectrum. Spectra of (63)Ni measured with several sources prepared by drying a NiCl2 solution differ from one another and from theory, whereas spectra measured with electroplated sources are reproducible and agree with theory. With these latter measurements we could confirm the atomic exchange effect down to very low energy (200 eV).

Validation study of a new technique for absolute activity measurement with 4pi solid angle metallic magnetic calorimeters

In this paper we present a prototype of a new class of detectors, metallic magnetic calorimeters operating at cryogenic temperatures, which we are developing for absolute activity measurement of low-energy-emitting radionuclides. We explain the detection principle and give a detailed description of the realisation of the prototype, containing an (55)Fe source inside the detector absorber. The analysis of first data taken with this detector is presented and the result of activity measurement compared with liquid scintillation counting. Some ways for reducing the uncertainty that can be achieved with this new technique are proposed.

High-energy resolution X-ray, gamma and electron spectroscopy with cryogenic detectors

Cryogenic detectors offer remarkably better energy resolutions than those achievable with conventional semiconductor or scintillation detectors. With the additional asset of a detection efficiency close to unity for low-energy X-ray photons and electrons, these detectors have the potential to perform X-ray, gamma and electron spectroscopy of a hitherto unknown quality, in particular at low energies. Two types of cryogenic detectors are described and the results of prototype detectors are presented.

A new absolute method for the standardization of radionuclides emitting low-energy radiation

Microcalorimeters (or bolometers) operated at temperatures below 100 mK allow individual counting of photons and electrons with a very low energy detection threshold. The physics is based on the pulse temperature increase of the target (or absorber) of the detector due to the complete absorption of both electrons and photons. Since this target can be constructed with a perfect 4-pi geometry, a bolometer offers potentially a new method for absolute activity measurements of radionuclides emitting low-energy radiation. In this paper we present our first results of a feasibility study of activity standardization of a 55Fe solution with a prototype 4-pi bolometer.

Isolation and continuous growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae from arterectomy specimens

For the purpose of collecting Chlamydia pneumoniae strains of vascular origin that could be grown continuously in vitro, a cell culture system has been established. Using different types of vascular specimens obtained from 38 patients, Chlamydia pneumoniae could be isolated in three (7.9%) cases. The strains were obtained from specimens of the carotid artery, the femoral artery and an infrarenal aneurysm of the abdominal aorta of three male atherosclerosis patients. Thus, viable Chlamydia pneumoniae strains are also present in vascular regions other than those hitherto described.

Pseudomonas acidovorans: a bacterium capable of mineralizing 2-chloroaniline

Prolonged adaptation of Ca-alginate immobilized cells of Pseudomonas acidovorans CA28 to a mixture of 3-chloroaniline (3-CA)1) and 2-CA and subsequently to 2-CA as sole substrate led to the isolation of another strain, termed CA50 with the additional capability of utilizing 2-CA as sole source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. Batch-degradation of 190 mg/l of 2-CA at pH 6.1 by this newly isolated strain was achieved within 3 days, at higher concentrations up to 0.6 g/l increasing lag-phases and degradation periods were observed. Except chloride and ammonium no further metabolites were detectable in the medium. Mineralization of 2-CA proceeds via the modified ortho-cleavage pathway as demonstrated by the presence of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (C120) activity, which is characterized by its substrate specificity and elution behaviour on DEAE-cellulose.

Characterization of isofunctional ring-cleaving enzymes in aniline and 3-chloroaniline degradation by Pseudomonas acidovorans CA28

During degradation of aniline and 3-chloroaniline, respectively, by Pseudomonas acidovorans CA28, selective induction of two catechol 1,2-dioxygenases (C12O) was observed. C12O I activity was the sole ring-cleaving enzyme detectable in cell-free extracts after growth on aniline, while C12O II was exclusively found after growth on 3-chloroaniline. Both enzymes were clearly differentiated by their elution behaviour on DEAE-cellulose and their substrate specificities. For C12O I high activity was demonstrable only with unsubstituted catechol, while C12O II showed preference for and high affinity towards chlorinated catechols. Therefore, evidence of different ortho-cleavage enzymes in Pseudomonas acidovorans CA28 involved in aniline and 3-chloroaniline metabolism, respectively, is indicated.

Degradation of phenol and phenolic compounds by Pseudomonas putida EKII

The phenol-degrading strain Pseudomonas putida EKII was isolated from a soil enrichment culture and utilized phenol up to 10.6 mM (1.0 g.l-1) as the sole source of carbon and energy. Furthermore, cresols, chlorophenols, 3,4-dimethylphenol, and 4-chloro-m-cresol were metabolized as sole substrates by phenol-grown resting cells of strain EKII. Under conditions of cell growth, degradation of these xenobiotics was achieved only in co-metabolism with phenol. Phenol hydroxylase activity was detectable in whole cells but not in cell-free extracts. The specificity of the hydroxylating enzyme was found during transformation of cresols and chlorophenols: ortho- and meta-substituted phenols were degraded via 3-substituted catechols, while degradation of para-substituted phenols proceeded via 4-substituted catechols. In cell-free extracts of phenol-grown cells a high level of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase as well as smaller amounts of 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde hydrolyase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase were detected. The ring-cleaving enzymes were characterized after partial purification by DEAE-cellulose chromatography.

Isolation and characterization of a 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propionic acid-degrading soil bacterium

The 2-(2,4-dichlorphenoxy)propionic acid (2,4-DP)-degrading bacterial strain MH was isolated after numerous subcultivations of a mixed culture obtained by soil-column enrichment and finally identified as Flavobacterium sp. Growth of this strain was supported by 2,4-DP (maximum specific growth rate 0.2 h-1) as well as by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB), and 2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)propionic acid (MCPP) as sole sources of carbon and energy under aerobic conditions. 2,4-DP-Grown cells (10(8] of strain MH degraded 2,4-dichlorophenoxyalkanoic acids, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), and 4-chlorophenol at rates in the range of 30 nmol/h. Preliminary investigations indicate that cleavage of 2,4-DP results in 2,4-DCP, which is further mineralized via ortho-hydroxylation and ortho-cleavage of the resulting 3,5-dichlorocatechol.

Efficacy and safety of moclobemide compared with imipramine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Double-blind multicenter study, Austria

In a double-blind, 4-week, prospective, randomized multicenter (17 centers) study we checked on the efficacy, tolerability and safety of moclobemide (300-600 mg/d) compared to imipramine (100-200 mg/d) in parallel groups of patients with a Major Depressive Episode (DSM III). The mean % reduction of the HAMD at the end of treatment was 51.7 in the moclobemide group and 52.1 in the imipramine group. The percentage of patients in whom efficacy was globally judged as "good" or "very good" was 62% in the moclobemide group and 60% in the imipramine group. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy in both groups but in some factors there was a trend for a better amelioration favoring moclobemide. The final overall physician's judgement of tolerability was "good" or "very good" in 83% of moclobemide patients and in 74% of imipramine patients. Adverse events were reported or observed in 56% of moclobemide patients and in 69% of imipramine patients. The number of mild, moderate and severe adverse events was higher in the imipramine group with a total of 286 versus 189. There was a statistically high significant difference considering the tolerability favoring moclobemide again. In this project the basic goal to find a substance with at least the same efficacy but a much better tolerability for sure got fulfilled.