Biomedical subjects

K Wilkins

Publications and source records attributed to K Wilkins.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Determination of fungal spore release from wet building materials.

The release and transport of fungal spores from water-damaged building materials is a key factor for understanding the exposure to particles of fungal origin as a possible cause of adverse health effects associated to growth of fungi indoors. In this study, the release of spores from nine species of typical indoor fungi has been measured under controlled conditions. The fungi were cultivated for a period of 4-6 weeks on sterilized wet wallpapered gypsum boards at a relative humidity (RH) of approximately 97%. A specially designed small chamber (P-FLEC) was placed on the gypsum board. The release of fungal spores was induced by well-defined jets of air impacting from rotating nozzles. The spores and other particles released from the surface were transported by the air flowing from the chamber through a top outlet to a particle counter and sizer. For two of the fungi (Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichoderma harzianum), the number of spores produced on the gypsum board and subsequently released was quantified. Also the relationship between air velocities from 0.3 to 3 m/s over the surface and spore release has been measured. The method was found to give very reproducible results for each fungal isolate, whereas the spore release is very different for different fungi under identical conditions. Also, the relationship between air velocity and spore release depends on the fungus. For some fungi a significant number of particles smaller than the spore size were released. The method applied in the study may also be useful for field studies and for generation of spores for exposure studies.

Air Microbiology↗

PubMed2001

Experimental generation of organic dust from compostable household waste.

The objective was to assess the influence of different waste storage systems on the emission of bioaerosols and gases from compostable household waste. Batches of waste were stored for 14 days in different storage systems: ventilated containers (compostainers) with or without added structure material and closed containers with or without a preservation additive. The microbial potential of the waste was measured with a rotating drum after storage. The weight loss in the compostainers (39%) was higher than in the closed containers (9%). Hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans developed in the closed container, and the concentration of ammonia increased continuously in both systems to 140 ppm. The microbial content for the incubated waste was high for closed containers compared to compostainers, and waste in closed containers generated a liquid rich in endotoxin and bacteria. The aerosols emitted from the waste consisted mainly of fungal spores, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, and no significant differences were observed between the systems. The endotoxin potential was high for waste stored in closed containers. The use of a preservative prevented microbial growth and reduced the emission of bioaerosols and gases substantially.

Aerosols↗

PubMed2000

Volatile metabolites from mold growth on building materials and synthetic media.

Mold species which were isolated from damp buildings were grown on sterile building materials and some synthetic media in order to study the microbial volatile organic compounds produced. Patterns of the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) were very media dependent but media which favor terpene biosynthesis may give patterns unique enough for identification of dominant indoor molds.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2000

Oral contraceptive use.

OBJECTIVES: This article profiles Canadian women aged 15 to 49 who use oral contraceptives (OCs), and compares certain of their characteristics with those of non-users. It also examines associations between OC use and selected characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the cross-sectional household component of Statistics Canada's 1996/97 National Population Health Survey. The analysis is based on a sample of 21,996 women aged 15 to 49, weighted to represent an estimated 7.6 million women. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Cross-tabulations were used to estimate the percentage of women aged 15 to 49 who use OCs and to compare selected health behaviours of users and non-users. A multiple logistic regression model was used to model relationships between selected characteristics and OC use. MAIN RESULTS: An estimated 1.3 million women aged 15 to 49, or 18%, reported using OCs in 1996/97. OC use was significantly associated with being young, unmarried, sexually active, and having prescription drug insurance and relatively high education. About one-third of OC users also smoked.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Changes in social support in relation to seniors' use of home care.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines seniors' entry into government-supported home care in relation to changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements. DATA SOURCE: The analysis is based on longitudinal data from the household component of the first two cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95 and 1996/97. Data from a sample of 2,044 people aged 65 or older who were followed prospectively were weighted to represent 2.7 million household-dwelling seniors. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Descriptive data were produced using bivariate frequencies. A multiple logistic regression model was used to examine associations between home care entry and changes in levels of social support and in living arrangements, while controlling for demographic and health-related factors. MAIN RESULTS: Among people aged 65 or older who did not receive government-supported home care in 1994/95, an estimated 7% (192,000) were receiving these services in 1996/97. Changes in social support and in living arrangements between 1994/95 and 1996/97 were significantly associated with home care entry.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

Cutaneous reactions associated with vitamin K1.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K1 (phytonadione) is a fat-soluble, naturally occurring vitamin used to treat certain coagulation disorders. A review of the adverse cutaneous reactions to Vitamin K1 is important because this diagnosis can be easily overlooked. This is due to their low incidence and because the presentation and morphology can vary considerably. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to summarize the different morphologies, the natural history, and the treatment of the cutaneous reactions reported to Vitamin K1. METHODS: A case of a patient who developed a localized eczematous plaque at the site of a vitamin K1 injection is outlined. A review of the English medical literature focused on the adverse cutaneous reactions associated with intramuscular or subcutaneous use of vitamin K1. RESULTS: Our patient developed a localized eczematous reaction to subcutaneous vitamin K1. The eruption developed within 7 days of her dose of vitamin K1. The eruption persisted for 18 months despite treatment with topical and intralesional steroids. There are three distinct types of cutaneous reactions to vitamin K1: localized eczematous, localized morphea-form, and, very rarely, diffuse maculopapular eruption. The eczematous type (32 cases) appears at the site of injection, and the median number of days between injection and appearance of the eruption is 13 days. The dose range required to initiate the reaction is broad (10 to 410 mg). Thirteen of 32 cases took more than 2 months to resolve. The morphea-form type (7 cases) is a localized morphea-form patch that appears at the site of injection. The average delay before presentation of morphea-form changes was 8.5 months (range: 5 weeks-1.5 years). The dose range is broad (30-2080 mg), and the prognosis for resolution very poor. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of an adverse cutaneous reaction to vitamin K can be made if the possibility is considered. Many of these reactions are very slow to clear up and some may persist as a chronic sclerodermoid change. Managing these reactions may be frustrating for both the patient and the clinician.

Antifibrinolytic Agents↗

PubMed1999

Deaths due to dementia: An analysis of multiple-cause-of-death data.

This study analyzes multiple-cause-of-death information from over 113,000 death certificates of Canadians aged 65+ and identifies causes that are significantly likely and significantly unlikely to combine with dementia to cause death. For dementia as a mentioned cause and as the underlying cause of death, frequencies and rates of death were calculated. Dementia was mentioned on death certificates 2.4 times as often as it occurred as the underlying cause of death. Among the causes least associated with dementia were some cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Causes of death that rarely occur with dementia should be further investigated in terms of their potential role in preventing or delaying the onset of dementia. In particular, further study of the role of anti-inflammatory drugs and nicotine in reducing the risk of dementia is indicated. Causes positively associated with dementia largely reflect the physical deterioration it confers.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed1999

Health care consequences of falls for seniors.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines falls that caused a serious injury among people aged 65 or older living in private households. Based on an analysis of people followed over a two-year period, it focuses on the association of a fall in 1994/95 with subsequent health care. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 and 1996/97 cycles of the National Population Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. Longitudinal and cross-sectional data are from a sample of 2,081 people aged 65 or older in 1994/95 for whom data were available and who were still alive in 1996/97. An additional 11,282 elderly people in this age group provided cross-sectional data in 1996/97, yielding a total sample of 13,363. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: In addition to descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses were used to study the associations between injurious falls and subsequent entry into care, controlling for selected factors. MAIN RESULTS: After controlling for age, decline in ability to perform activities of daily living, and other factors, the odds of entry into care were three times as high for seniors who reported an injurious fall in 1994/95 as for those who did not.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1999

Hormone replacement therapy and incident arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This article provides estimates of the incidence of arthritis between 1994/95 and 1996/97 among women aged 38 or older. It also examines the association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a new diagnosis of arthritis by 1996/97. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household component of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on a sample of 2,673 female respondents who reported that they did not have arthritis in 1994/95. This sample, when weighted, represents 4.3 million women. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Two-year incidence of arthritis was estimated using weighted bivariate frequencies. Associations of arthritis with HRT use and numerous covariates were examined using multivariate logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: In the two years between 1994/95 and 1996/97, about 8% of women (338,600) aged 38 or older were newly diagnosed with arthritis. The odds of incident arthritis for current HRT users who had used hormones for five years or longer were twice as high as for non-users. These results persisted even after controlling for potential confounders including age, number of medical visits, and body mass index.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Medications and fall-related fractures in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines associations between the use of selected medications and fall-related fractures in the household population aged 65 or older. DATA SOURCE: The analysis was based on cross-sectional data from the household component of the 1996/97 cycle of the National Population Health Survey. Data were from a sample of 13,363 respondents aged 65 or older. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were used to study cross-sectional associations between selected medications used in the previous month and fractures occurring in the previous year. Multiple logistic regression analyses controlled for potentially confounding factors. MAIN RESULTS: Among elderly individuals who sustained any activity-limiting injury in 1996/97, an estimated 65,000 reported the most serious such injury had been a fall-related fracture. The odds of a fall-related fracture were significantly low among people who were taking diuretics/antihypertensives. Arthritis and urinary incontinence were positively associated with fall-related fractures.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1998

Home care in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the social, socioeconomic and other health-related characteristics of people receiving formal, publicly funded home care services. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey. The analysis covers 16,291 respondents aged 18 or older. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Recipients of publicly funded home care services were profiled using weighted univariate frequencies and multivariate logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: Recipients of publicly funded home care services in 1994/95 numbered over half a million. People who were elderly, female, had two or more chronic conditions or were living with others accounted for large proportions of these recipients. Characteristics significantly associated with receiving home care included old age, poor or fair general health, abstinence from alcohol (compared with regular use), low income, living alone, needing help with some activity of daily living, and having cancer or the effects of a stroke.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1998

Work stress and health.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes work stress experienced by the employed population. It examines associations between job strain, job insecurity, physical demands, low co-worker support and low supervisor support, and four health outcomes: migraine, work injury, high blood pressure and psychological distress. DATA SOURCE: The data are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey conducted by Statistics Canada. Results are based on a sample of 9,023 employed Canadians aged 18 to 64. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Multivariate analyses were used to estimate associations between work stress and health problems, while controlling for other potential stressors. MAIN RESULTS: Among men, job strain was associated with migraine and psychological distress, and among women, with work injury. Job insecurity was associated with migraine among women. High physical demands were related to work injury in both sexes. Low co-worker support was related to migraine among men, and to work injury and psychological distress among women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Volatile metabolites from some gram-negative bacteria.

A survey of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) excreted from various Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas spp., Serratia spp. and Enterobacter spp.) was carried out. Compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. VOCs identified included dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide and isoprene.

Butadienes↗

PubMed1997

Characteristics of hospital users.

OBJECTIVES: For people living in the community, this article explores selected health problems and personal characteristics that are associated with having been hospitalized. DATA SOURCE: The data, collected from a sample of people aged 15 and over living in 27,263 households in the 10 provinces, are from the household component of the 1994/95 National Population Health Survey. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between hospitalization and chronic health problems, demographic characteristics, health-related behaviours, and socioeconomic status. MAIN RESULTS: Having cancer or a long-term disability was strongly associated with hospitalization throughout adulthood. Among women under age 65, the odds of hospitalization were higher among those with inadequate income than among those with adequate income, even after controlling for differences in health status.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Traditional vs. flexible programmes: training in family and community medicine.

The aims of this study were to gain an understanding of the concerns of those in control in Canadian Family Medicine, and to gain an understanding of the experiences of trainees in the traditional postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) and in a flexible PGY-2 at the University of Toronto (U of T) Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) in 1994. Qualitative methodology was used in the study to find out the feelings and experiences of these groups. It was found that national and departmental bodies in Family Medicine are concerned with competency and are open to trying different processes. Trainees in the flexible programme had a strong sense of control according to the study. They identified their educational needs, had confidence in their assessments, and spoke the language of continuous learning. Residency programmes need to be flexible and trainee-centred.

Attitude↗

PubMed1996

Tuberculosis, 1994.

In 1994, a total of 2,074 people in Canada were diagnosed with tuberculosis, a rate of 7.1 cases per 100,000 population. The same year, tuberculosis and its late effects caused 150 deaths-just over one in every 1,400 deaths. Although tuberculosis is no longer a major health problem in Canada or a leading cause of death, some groups are particularly susceptible to the disease: Aboriginal people, residents of low-income households, immigrants, and the elderly. In the first two instances, the occurrence of tuberculosis is associated with poor living conditions. The risk of tuberculosis among immigrants is high because of the greater likelihood of exposure in their countries of origin. Among the elderly, the potential for developing active tuberculosis is relatively high due to exposure decades ago when the disease was far more prevalent. Since 1980, the rate of pulmonary tuberculosis has declined, while the rate of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has remained steady. As a result, the proportion of cases attributable to extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has risen.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Chronic conditions, physical limitations and dependency among seniors living in the community.

The majority (75%) of people aged 55 and over who live in the community, as opposed to living in long-term health care institutions, report having at least one chronic condition. However, only about one in six has some physical limitation. As well, one in six men and one in four women who live in the community need help with everyday activities such as housework or meal preparation. With advancing age, the prevalence of most chronic conditions increases, as does the prevalence of physical problems and dependency. The contribution of particular conditions to physical limitations and dependency varies. According to Statistics Canada's 1994-95 National Population Health Survey, the conditions most strongly related to physical limitations and to the need for help with activities of daily living were epilepsy and the effects of stroke, neither of which affected a large percentage of the household population aged 55 and over. By contrast, arthritis/rheumatism, non-arthritic back problems and cataracts, which were also associated with physical limitations and dependency, affected a relatively large percentage of community-dwelling seniors. This article shows the prevalence of specific chronic conditions, physical limitations and dependency among people aged 55 and over living in the community, by sex and age. Logistic regression is used to examine relationships between each chronic condition and the existence of physical limitations and dependency.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1995

Deaths 1993.

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Adolescent↗