PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B G Ferris

Publications and source records attributed to B G Ferris.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Longitudinal lung function decline in subjects with respiratory symptoms.

The relation of respiratory symptoms and lung function has not been extensively investigated. To determine better the rate of FEV1 decline in subjects reporting persistent wheeze, chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and/or dyspnea, longitudinal data from an adult population sample of 3,948 subjects (1,757 men; 2,191 women) followed for 12 yr were analyzed. At the initial and subsequent follow-up visits, subjects completed a standardized respiratory questionnaire and performed spirometry using the same methods and spirometers. Subjects were categorized based on the presence or absence of self-reported respiratory symptoms (persistent wheeze, chronic cough, chronic phlegm, or shortness of breath) at the initial visit. Six-specific linear regression models were fitted to determine the effect of these respiratory symptoms on lung function. In both men and women, reporting of any respiratory symptoms was associated with both a reduction in initial lung function and more rapid decline in height-adjusted FEV1. Furthermore, after adjustment for height, age, and cigarette smoking, men with cough or phlegm and women with cough alone showed accelerated loss in FEV1. Clinicians should be aware of the predictive value of these respiratory symptoms, because therapeutic intervention may modify the associated decline in lung function.

Cough↗
PubMed1992

Effects of cigarette smoking on rate of loss of pulmonary function in adults: a longitudinal assessment.

Data from a random sample of 8,191 men and women selected in six U.S. cities and examined on three occasions over a 6-yr follow-up period were analyzed by longitudinal methods to describe the effects of smoking history and current smoking behavior on rate of loss of pulmonary function during adult life. Former smokers had age- and height-adjusted rates of decline (34.3 ml/yr for men and 29.6 ml/yr for women) comparable with those of never smokers (37.8 ml/yr for men and 29.0 ml/yr for women) but much smaller than those of continuing smokers (52.9 ml/yr for men and 38.0 ml/yr for women). The accelerated rate of loss of FEV1 among smokers depended linearly on the number of cigarettes smoked per day during the interval between examinations. The estimated increase in rate of loss associated with smoking was 12.6 ml/yr per pack/day for men and 7.2 ml/yr per pack/day for women. These longitudinal estimates of the effects of smoking were approximately 50% larger than estimates obtained from cross-sectional analysis of the initial pulmonary function examination. Men who started smoking had accelerated rates of loss (55.9 ml/yr) as did women (43.1 ml/yr). Smokers who stopped smoking between examinations had reduced declines (41.2 ml/yr for men and 28.7 ml/yr for women) compared with continuing smokers. The age-specific rates of loss suggest that the benefits of cessation may be greatest among the youngest smokers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Mortality and morbidity in a pulp and a paper mill in the United States: a ten-year follow-up.

Two hundred and seventy-one men seen in 1963, who worked in a pulp and a paper mill, were followed up ten years later, in 1973. Death certificates were obtained for those who died. There did not appear to be any increased mortality in the group, nor was there any increased specific cause of death. A morbidity study of 200 men seen at both times did not show any differences in respiratory symptoms or prevalence of chronic non-specific respiratory disease. Analysis of pulmonary function showed little, if any, difference between groups. Analysis of retired, deceased, and still-working categories did suggest that exposures to Cl2 or SO2 might have a slight adverse effect on pulmonary function.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Effects of sulfur oxides and respirable particles on human health. Methodology and demography of populations in study.

As part of a study of health effects of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, we have established a cohort of adults 25 to 74 yr of age in 6 communities who will be followed prospectively. At the conclusion of our first cycle of measuring the health of adults in 6 sites we found that, although we used different sampling frames, our samples were close to the distribution shown in the U.S. Census for age, sex, and occupation, with the possible exception of one city. Analysis of the cross-sectional data indicated that for both age- and height-adjusted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and for selected rates of various respiratory symptoms standardized for age, differences among smoking groups were apparent. Differences in these parameters between sites suggest trends that were associated with levels of pollution. Further analyses of the prospective data currently being collected will be required before definitive statements can be made about the effect of specific levels of exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Apparent effect of an azodicarbonamide on the lungs. A preliminary report.

This preliminary study calls attention to the possible pulmonary reactivity of inhaled finely ground azodicarbonamide to which small numbers of workers may be exposed. The conditions in this particular plant involving significant exposure to respirable dust in the mg/m3 range may occur in other plants handling these fine powders. Engineering controls are indicated to protect the workers. We hope that this report will stimulate more detailed studies to validate or refute these observations.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed1976

Chronic nonspecific respiratory disease in Berlin, New Hampshire, 1967 to 1973. A further follow-up study.

The 1967 sample of Berlin, New Hampshire was resurveyed in 1973 by means of a standard questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and by simple tests of pulmonary function. Measurements of the levels of air pollution showed a decrease in the number of suspended particulates and an increase in the concentration of sulfation. These values were close to the Federal Primary Standard. No differences in respiratory symptoms, prevalences of chronic, nonspecific respiratory disease, or pulmonary function were detected. Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that the Federal Primary Standards for sulfur dioxide and total suspended particulates are probably adequate to protect the public.

Adult↗