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Biomedical subjects

Tapio Vehmas

Publications and source records attributed to Tapio Vehmas.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Radiographic 2D:4D index in females: no relation to anthropometric, behavioural, nutritional, health-related, occupational or fertility variables.

BACKGROUND: The ratio of index finger to ring finger length (2D:4D index) may be an indicator of gonadal hormone exposure, because the differentiation of gonads, fingers and toes is influenced by the same HOXA and HOHD genes. Some previous studies have found significant associations between the 2D:4D index and sexual, psychological or behavioural variables. We studied the usability of the radiographic 2D:4D index as a potential predictor of several features in a large female sample. METHODS: 271 female dentists and 219 teachers (age 45 - 63 years) had their hands radiographed and their right 2nd and 4th fingers measured from the base of the bony proximal phalanxes to the tip of the distal phalanxes to define the radiographic 2D:4D index. The study subjects were classified into two distinctly separate clusters (by using cluster analysis with the K-means algorithm) in each of the following dimensions: anthropometric (including four items), behavioural (five items), nutritional (five items), health-related (seven items), occupational (Karasek job control and job demand scores) and fertility (four items). RESULTS: The radiographic 2D:4D index ranged from 0.845 to 0.981 (mean 0.925, SD 0.021). The intraclass correlation between three radiographers' measurements (31 cases) was 0.971. No differences concerning the 2D:4D index were found between clusters 1 and 2 in any studied dimension, nor did any of the items in clusters have relations with the 2D:4D index when tested separately with bivariate tests. CONCLUSION: Despite the ideal set-up of the measuring possibilities in a relatively large radiographic material the variables currently studied were not dependent on the length of finger bones. It can therefore be questioned whether any real associations between the bony 2D:4D index in adult life and (direct or indirect) hormone dependent effects exist. There may be a publication bias explaining that mostly positive findings have been the previously reported. However, the associations of the 2D:4D index with various features, if present, may be related to the soft parts of fingers rather than to the length of bones.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Factors associated with renal cortical echogenicity.

We studied the causes of renal cortical echogenicity (RCE). Its bilateral average value (AvRCE) and the left renal cortex/spleen echo ratios (RCSplE) were determined among 22 workers exposed to industrial solvents and 19 controls. Men had a higher AvRCE than women (p = 0.006). Current exposure to solvents increased AvRCE (p = 0.024), as did any exposure to aliphatic solvents (p < 0.001). AvRCE had a significant negative correlation with liver transaminases AST, ALT and GGT and with serum triglycerides. RCSplE correlated positively with AST, ALT and GGT, with total serum cholesterol and with diastolic blood pressure. Besides renal structural changes, RCE may be influenced by renal flow effects and the presence of macromolecules in renal vessels and tubular systems. Incidentally-found altered RCE may warrant the workout of occupational exposure history and general medical investigation if no kidney disease is known to exist.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility of hand osteoarthritis in Finnish women.

We examined whether polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene was associated with individual risk of hand osteoarthritis (OA). Radiographs of both hands of 295 dentists and of 248 teachers were examined and classified for the presence of OA using reference images. The VDR ApaI and TaqI genotypes were determined by PCR-based methods. No association was observed between the VDR polymorphisms and the odds of overall hand OA. However, the carriers of the VDR t allele or At haplotype were at almost half the odds of symmetrical hand OA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38-0.94 and OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38-0.93, respectively) compared with the carriers of the T allele and of the non-At haplotype, respectively. Increased odds of this disease, on the contrary, was observed for women with two copies of the VDR a allele (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.99-3.70) compared with women with the AA genotype. Conversely, the VDR a allele carriage was associated with a tendency of lowered odds of osteophyte (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.25-1.03). When the genotype data were used to construct haplotypes, the VDR AaTt joint genotype appeared to pose a remarkably lower odds (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08-0.91) of osteophyte compared with the AAtt joint genotype. As a novel finding we observed a joint effect of a low calcium intake and VDR polymorphisms on symmetrical OA; the OR was 2.64 (95% CI = 1.29-5.40) for carriers of the aT haplotype with low daily calcium intake compared with non-carriers of the haplotype with high daily calcium intake. Our results suggest that VDR gene polymorphisms play a role in the etiology of symmetrical hand OA. Moreover, the association between the VDR gene and OA may be modified by calcium intake.

Female↗
PubMed2005

Liver echogenicity: relation to systemic blood pressure and other components of the metabolic syndrome.

We studied the impact of liver echogenicity among other potential predictors of systemic blood pressure (BP) and the metabolic syndrome. 38 persons (32 males, six females, aged 29 to 66) had their liver echogenicities scored, BPs measured and standard serum laboratory tests studied. There was a significant correlation between both systolic (r=0.438, p=0.006) and diastolic (r=0.498, p=0.001) BP and liver echogenicity. Liver echogenicity was the strongest predictor for systolic BP and the second strongest (after body mass index, BMI) for diastolic BP. Body height may modify the relation between liver echogenicity and systolic BP. Liver echogenicity also correlated significantly with BMI (r=0.527, p=0.001), serum triglycerides (r=0.472, p=0.003) and, to a lesser degree, with serum total cholesterol (r=0.305, p=0.066). Incidentally found increased liver echogenicity should alert the US performer and the clinician reading the report on the possibility of elevated BP or other features of the metabolic syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Impairment of lung function in asbestos-exposed workers in relation to high-resolution computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the causes of impairment of ventilatory function and diffusing capacity in smoking asbestos-exposed workers (N=590) showing radiological pleural thickenings or pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry were performed, and diffusing capacity was measured. The workers were divided into five groups based on the HRCT scoring: pleural disease (N=190), pulmonary fibrosis (N=68), emphysema (N=148), combined fibrosis and emphysema (N=74), and marked adhesions (N=110). The graded lung function impairment was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Moderate impairment of forced expiratory volume in 1 second [odds ratio (OR) 2.72, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31-5.57] and forced vital capacity (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.05-6.89) was associated with the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema. Marked impairment of diffusing capacity was associated with the combined fibrosis and emphysema (OR 4.94, 95% CI 2.48-9.77) but not with pleural disease (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.45) or pulmonary fibrosis (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.08-1.05). For the persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema, the mean fibrosis score did not differ between normal, slightly reduced, or markedly reduced diffusing capacity, but the emphysema score was significantly higher for the patients with marked impairment than for those with normal diffusing capacity (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Different profiles of asbestos- and smoking-induced pulmonary or pleural disease were found. The results indicate that the most important factor determining the degree of functional impairment in smoking asbestos-exposed workers is the presence of pulmonary emphysema.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Hand workload and the metacarpal cortical index. a study of middle-aged teachers and dentists.

We studied load-related predictors (handedness, occupation and workload history) of cortical bone mass as estimated by the metacarpal cortical index (MCI). After being randomly selected from trade-union registers, 295 female dentists and 248 teachers, aged 45-63 years (mean 54 years), participated in the study. The MCI was defined from the second metacarpal of both hands by analogue radiographs. Data regarding anthropometric measures, handedness, occupational exposure, number of pregnancies, hormonal therapy and contraceptive use, the presence of chronic diseases, dietary factors, smoking and leisure time physical activity were collected by questionnaire. Weight was measured. The dentists' workload was assessed in detail in 10-year periods. Multivariate methods were used in the statistical analysis. The metacarpal index averaged 0.62 in the right hand and 0.61 in the left hand (P = 0.02) among the right-handed subjects, while no differences by hand were observed among the left-handed or mixed-handed. The MCI of the teachers and dentists did not differ from each other, when we controlled for potential confounders. The MCI decreased similarly by age in both occupational groups. Among the dentists, workload history was inversely associated with the MCI in multivariate analyses by age group. Computer use was a positive predictor for MCI among dentists aged 55-63 years. Occupational factors seem to have contradictory effects on the MCI. Too heavy or one-sided manual work may be deleterious for cortical bone mass.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra: relation to disc degeneration and low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) study. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relation of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra to signs of disc degeneration in MRI and to low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An association between the transitional vertebra and herniation in the disc above has been found in patients with LBP, but knowledge of the relation to other degenerative disc changes detected in MRI and to LBP is lacking. METHODS: MR images of the lumbar spine of 138 middle-aged working men and 25 healthy young men were evaluated. The presence and type of lumbosacral transitional vertebra and of degenerative changes in intervertebral discs were evaluated. The history of low back symptoms was obtained with a questionnaire from the middle-aged men. RESULTS: The prevalence of transitional vertebra was 30%. Transitional vertebra was associated with an increased risk of degenerative changes in the disc above among the young men and with a decreased risk in the disc below among the middle-aged men. Transitional vertebra, symmetric or asymmetric, was not associated with any type of LBP in the middle-aged men. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbosacral transitional vertebra increases the risk of early degeneration in the upper disc. This effect seems to be obscured by age-related changes in the middle age. The degenerative process is slowed down in the lower disc. For these effects, the presence of a transitional vertebra should be noticed when morphologic methods are used in research on lumbosacral spine. Transitional vertebra is not associated with any type of LBP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Liver echogenicity: measurement or visual grading?

OBJECTIVE: Two methods to assess liver echogenicity were compared. METHODS: Liver/kidney echogenicity ratio was measured in 41 persons with the ultrasound software and visually graded by two radiologists and a radiographer. These echogenicity ratios and grades were related to risk factors for fatty liver and to liver enzyme levels. RESULTS: These determinants explained 55% of the radiologists' mean grades, 14% of the radiographer's and 31% of the measured echogenicity ratios. CONCLUSION: Radiologists' visual gradings correlated best with the indirect determinants of early liver pathology. Computerized measurements may be inferior to visual grading due to the lack of holistic tissue diagnostics.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Emphysema findings associated with heavy asbestos-exposure in high resolution computed tomography of finnish construction workers.

Asbestos fibers are known to cause lung fibrosis, but their role in emphysema is unclear. We wanted to evaluate the relationship between asbestos exposure and emphysema by using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Conventional and high resolution CT was performed on 600 smoking construction workers with an asbestos-related occupational disease. Emphysema subtypes (centrilobular, paraseptal, panlobular emphysema and bullae) were separately scored on a semiquantitative scale from 0 to 5, which scores were added up to yield the total emphysema score. Occupation, exposure duration, age, pack years and asbestosis diagnosis were analyzed in general linear models for possible associations with emphysema. The inter- (quadratic weighted kappa, kappa(qw)=0.46-0.72) and intraobserver (kappa(qw)=0.78-0.94) agreements for the subtype-scores and the reliability of the total score (Cronbach's alpha=0.87) were good. Insulators had a significantly higher paraseptal, panlobular and total score than the other occupational groups when adjusted for age and smoking. An asbestosis diagnosis was also a significant independent predictor of a higher total score. Emphysema was more common when workers had asbestosis or were heavily exposed to asbestos (insulators), but due to confounding factors the causative role of asbestos in emphysema needs further study.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Results of common laboratory tests in solvent-exposed workers.

OBJECTIVES: The screening and identification of occupational liver or other organ-system injury related to long-term, low-level solvent exposure are difficult in clinical practice. We studied the feasibility of the use of common laboratory tests combined with a detailed exposure history. METHODS: The relationships between laboratory tests and exposure to organic solvents were studied in regression modelling adjusted to age, alcohol consumption, gender and body mass index (BMI). The subjects were 29 solvent-exposed workers and 19 referents. Laboratory tests included serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose and total and conjugated bilirubin. Positive hepatitis serology, systemic diseases or medications with known hepatic effects and current pregnancy were exclusion criteria. The main exposures of each subject were identified. Current solvent exposure status, exposure during the past 3 months, exposure during the past 5 and 10 years, and total life-time exposure were recorded. RESULTS: AST (P=0.0031), ALT (P=0.0015) and cholesterol (P=0.0110) correlated positively with cumulative solvent exposure in the past 5 years, total bilirubin with current exposure (P=0.0380), and glucose with exposure in the past 5 (P<0.0001) and 10 (P=0.0003) years. Triglycerides correlated positively with exposure in the past 5 (P=0.0025) and 10 (P=0.0059) years and with life-time exposure (P=0.0005). Creatinine correlated negatively with exposure in the past 10 years (P=0.0300) and life-time exposure (P=0.0005). Most laboratory values were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a multi-system health effect of solvents. The laboratory data had some similarities with those in the metabolic syndrome. The screening and diagnostics of solvent-related conditions should be based on a thorough work history and a set of carefully selected laboratory tests. No single test seems sufficient for this purpose.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in respect to carpal tunnel syndrome.

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the technical and diagnostic capability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Two independent authors retrieved and screened the existing data and extracted the clinical and validity data adhering to predefined inclusion criteria. The MRI methods and findings were analyzed by two experienced radiologists. Disagreements were solved in consensus. The MRI findings of 373 affected wrists in 13 studies were compared with asymptomatic referents or a series of patients with non-CTS wrist pain. Increased T2-signal, cross-sectional area, and flattening of the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel, as well as bowing of the flexor retinaculum, were the most frequently occurring signs in CTS. Reliable assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of certain MRI signs in respect to CTS remained difficult due to study heterogeneity. There is an obvious need for imaging studies in which validated diagnostic criteria are used.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Computed tomography screening for lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers.

We conducted a computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer in a high-risk population. Six hundred and two workers (38-81 years, 97% smokers) with asbestos-related occupational disease were screened using spiral CT and chest radiography. The national cancer registry was checked for possible false negative cases. The screening detected 111 patients with non-calcified nodules >0.5 cm in diameter and 66 of them were referred for further hospital examination. We found five lung cancers (106 false positive cases) with a histological spectrum similar to the national, natural occurrence of the disease (two adeno, one squamous cell, one anaplastic and one metastatic carcinoma) and one peritoneal mesothelioma. Three cases were potentially operable (stage I-II). Unfortunately there was one false negative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with misinterpretation of the follow-up CT scan and another patient who refused further investigations after an inadequate FNAB. In the end only one patient with adenocarcinoma underwent surgery. After 3 years of follow-up two new lung cancers were reported to the cancer registry with no evidence of tumour in the retrospective analysis of the screening CT scan. The sensitivity of CT screening was 100%. CT was capable of detecting early lung cancer in asbestos-exposed patients with a lot of confusing pulmonary and pleural pathology. Due to the high number of positive findings attention should be paid to patient compliance and the follow-up protocols and patient selection in future screening programmes.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

MRI in the assessment of growth arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MRI with X-ray tomography in the assessment of bone bridges across the growth plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation consisted of two parts. (1) Eleven children with 13 epiphyses suspected of physeal growth arrests were examined with conventional X-ray tomography and MRI. The bar was post-traumatic in eight children, postinfectious in two and due to a congenital, operated pes equinovarus in one. Three blinded radiologists separately evaluated the examinations retrospectively. (2) The images of four children with known physeal bars in the ankle were mixed with 36 normal examinations obtained 1-year after trauma and evaluated blindly by three radiologists. RESULTS: In 5 of 13 epiphysis, the bony bridge was considered smaller on MRI than on X-ray tomography, in 7 of 13 it was considered equal, while it was larger only in one. The interobserver agreement (weighted kappa) was 0.8 (very good) for MRI, 0.76 (good) for X-ray tomography and 0.60 (moderate) for radiographs. The four bony bridges were easily detected on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to MRI, the size of bridges was estimated larger by tomography in about half of the patients.

Adolescent↗