A Nonlinear Association between Neighborhood Walkability and Risks of Sarcopenia in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Neighborhood walkability has been found to be positively related to physical activity and negatively associated with risks of noncommunicable diseases. However, limited studies have examined its association with sarcopenia in older adults. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between neighborhood walk score and risks of sarcopenia in a sample of older Taiwanese adults.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This study was a cross-sectional investigation using telephone-based survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A nationwide telephone-based survey targeting older adults (≥ 65 years) was conducted in Taiwan.

MEASUREMENTS

Data on neighborhood walkability (determined by walk score of residential neighborhood), sarcopenia scores (measured by SARC-F), and personal characteristics were obtained. The relationships between walk score and risks of sarcopenia were examined using generalized additive models.

RESULTS

A total of 1,056 older adults participated in the survey. In model 1 (sex and age) and model 2 (full-adjusted model), a nonlinear association between neighborhood walk score and risks of sarcopenia was observed. Results showed that risks of sarcopenia appear to be lower in neighborhoods with a 40-walk score (Car-Dependent; most errands require a car) and an 80-walk score (Very Walkable) and highest in the neighborhood with a 60-walk score (Somewhat Walkable).

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed a nonlinear relationship between neighborhood walkability and risks of sarcopenia in older adults in Asian context. Results provided information to urban designers and public health practitioners that more walkable neighborhood may not necessarily protect older adults from risks of sarcopenia.

Infectious keratitis in South Australia: emerging resistance to cephazolin

PURPOSE

To analyze the microbiologic spectrum and patterns of resistance of infectious keratitis in patients treated at a tertiary hospital in South Australia.

METHODS

Retrospective review of microbiology laboratory records of all patients with infectious keratitis who had corneal scrapings, from 1998 to 2003. All records were subsequently reviewed for Gram staining and culture results, as well as antibiotic sensitivity and resistance.

RESULTS

Positive corneal cultures were obtained in 134 out of 211 patients who had corneal scrapings (63.5%). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the commonest pathogen identified (29.8% of positive cultures), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7%), Moraxella (6.7%), Streptococcus pneumonia (6.0%), and fungal keratitis (5.2%). In 43.3% of culture positive cases, the organisms were also identified in Gram stain, and in all these cases there was a full correlation between the two methods. In vitro sensitivities were highest for gentamicin. Fourteen cases (35%) of coagulase negative Staphylococcus were found to be resistant to cephazolin. No ciprofloxacin resistance was identified in all Pseudomonas isolates tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Staphylococcus species continue to be the commonest causative organism for infectious keratitis; however, there is an emerging resistance to cephazolin, which is commonly used as the first-line antibiotic for Gram-positive cocci.

Infectious keratitis in South Australia: Emerging resistance to cephazolinq

PURPOSE

To analyze the microbiologic spectrum and patterns of resistance of infectious keratitis in patients treated at a tertiary hospital in South Australia.

METHODS

Retrospective review of microbiology laboratory records of all patients with infectious keratitis who had corneal scrapings, from 1998 to 2003. All records were subsequently reviewed for Gram staining and culture results, as well as antibiotic sensitivity and resistance. RESULTS Positive corneal cultures were obtained in 134 out of 211 patients who had corneal scrapings (63.5%). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the commonest pathogen identified (29.8% of positive cultures), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7%), Moraxella (6.7%), Streptococcus pneumonia (6.0%), and fungal keratitis (5.2%). In 43.3% of culture positive cases, the organisms were also identified in Gram stain, and in all these cases there was a full correlation between the two methods. In vitro sensitivities were highest for gentamicin. Fourteen cases (35%) of coagulase negative Staphylococcus were found to be resistant to cephazolin. No ciprofloxacin resistance was identified in all Pseudomonas isolates tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Staphylococcus species continue to be the commonest causative organism for infectious keratitis; however, there is an emerging resistance to cephazolin, which is commonly used as the first-line antibiotic for Gram-positive cocci. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2005; 15: 23-6).

Social adjustment and alcoholism among Chinese immigrants in New York City

Based upon the patient files (N = 132) maintained by the Chinatown Alcoholism Services (CAS), interviews with CAS staff, and the clinical experience of the authors with Chinese alcoholics, this paper describes the social contexts of alcoholism among a group of working-class Chinese males in New York City. It focuses on the relationship between social adjustment and drinking behaviors, and analyzes the meaning of alcohol use and abuse within the ethnic community. The paper also examines the role of significant others in the alcoholics' drinking and help-seeking behaviors. Finally, treatment and research issues pertaining to alcoholism among the Chinese are discussed.