Are the effects of nicotinic acid on insulin resistance precipitated by abnormal phosphorous metabolism?

Nicotinic acid is a unique cholesterol modifying agent that exerts favorable effects on all cholesterol parameters. It holds promise as one of the main pharmacological agents to treat mixed dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome and diabetic patients. The use of nicotinic acid has always been haunted with concerns that it might worsen insulin resistance and complicate diabetes management.     

How similar are the smoking and drinking habits of men and women in non-manual jobs?

BACKGROUND: Men used to be more likely to smoke and drink heavily than women. However, as social roles changed, so have gender differences in health-related behaviours. This paper explores whether gender differences in these behaviours persist or disappear among men and women occupying similar social roles: working in the same non-manual jobs in Britain. METHODS: Self-completion questionnaires were distributed to full-time employees in a bank (n = 2,139) and a university (n = 1,611). Response rates were 76% and 67% respectively. Respondents were asked whether they smoked currently. Men who reported drinking more than 21 units of alcohol, and women who reported drinking more than 14 units, in the last week were classed as 'heavy' drinkers. RESULTS: In both organizations there were no significant gender differences in smoking, but men were significantly more likely than women to report drinking 'heavily'. Employees in clerical jobs in the university were more than twice as likely as their more senior colleagues to smoke, but were significantly less likely to report drinking 'heavily' in both organizations. High masculinity scores among both men and women were associated with smoking and 'heavy' drinking. CONCLUSION: Men and women occupying similar social roles are equally likely to smoke but men are significantly more likely to drink 'heavily'. The relationship between paid work variables and these health behaviours are similar for both men and women. The association between high masculinity scores and health-damaging behaviours in both men and women points to the importance of considering gender role orientation, rather than just comparing men and women.     

Prenatal effects of maternal smoking on daughters' smoking: nicotine or testosterone exposure?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to specify the effect of prenatal fetal exposure to maternal cotinine and testosterone on daughters' smoking in adolescence and adulthood. METHODS: Longitudinal causal models were estimated among 240 White mother-daughter pairs from the Child Health and Development Study. Mothers and daughters were reinterviewed when daughters were aged 15 to 17 years, and daughters were interviewed at 27 to 30 years of age. Blood samples were obtained from both parents during pregnancy and from adult daughters. RESULTS: Testosterone and smoking were positively correlated among mothers during their pregnancy and among adult daughters. Maternal prenatal cotinine had no direct effect on daughters' smoking; self-reported smoking in pregnancy did have a direct effect. Smoking among daughters during adolescence was determined by maternal prenatal testosterone and self-reported maternal smoking during pregnancy and postnatally. Smoking among adult daughters reflected chronic smoking since adolescence and the continuing effect of postnatal maternal smoking. Prenatal maternal testosterone affected adult daughters' testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of the impact of prenatal maternal smoking depend on the measure of smoking. Prenatal testosterone exposure is a previously unrecognized risk factor for smoking among female offspring.     

Does measurement dependence explain the effects of the Life Skills Training program on smoking outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The Life Skills Training (LST) program is the most prominent school-based smoking prevention program in terms of its consistency in being named on lists of best practices. This study assessed whether the results pertaining to cigarette smoking reported in evaluations of the LST program are measurement dependent. METHODS: Seventeen reports published between 1980 and 2003 that included at least one outcome measure pertaining to cigarette smoking were identified. Data pertaining to the cigarette smoking measures used in the analysis and whether the results showed a statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups at follow-up were extracted from the reports. RESULTS: Fourteen different outcome measures were used across 17 reports. Only three pairs of reports presented the same set of outcomes. Recent reports showed the most consistent set of findings in support of the LST program, but there was little consistency in the outcome measures used in these analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The use of so many smoking outcomes in the LST program evaluations raises concern as to whether the positive program effects reported are measurement dependent.     

Impact of smoking and smoking cessation on health-related quality of life in women in the Nurses’ Health Study

Purpose

To examine the relationship between smoking and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the impact of quitting smoking on changes in HRQOL among women in the two Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) cohorts (n = 158,736) who were 29 to 71 years of age in 1992/1993 when they reported data on smoking status and completed the Short Form-36^® version 1 (SF-36^®).

Methods

At baseline, the SF-36^® physical component scores (SF-PCS) and mental component scores (SF-MCS) were examined by smoking status (never, 56%, former, 32%, and current, 13%) within 10-year age groups. Smoking characteristics were analyzed as correlates of SF-36^®. Changes in smoking status and SF-PCS and SF-MCS, adjusted for comorbid disease and other covariates, were reassessed at 4-year intervals among current smokers in 1992/1993 and those who either continued smoking after 4 and 8 years or reported not smoking at both intervals.

Results

Smokers had lower HRQOL (SF-PCS and SF-MCS) as compared to never and former smokers. Current smoking, cigarettes per day and time since quitting were associated with significantly lower SF-PCS and SF-MCS. Continuing smokers and those who quit had significant declines in SF-PCS over time and significant improvements in SF-MCS at 8 years. There was minimal difference between groups, with some greater improvements in SF-MCS among those reporting non-smoking at 8 years. These findings support the lower ratings of HRQOL by smokers, but quitting alone, after an average of 21 years of smoking, did not improve HRQOL. Further study focused on the HRQOL impact of quitting smoking is needed.     

Is the co-occurrence of smoking and poor consumption of fruits and vegetables confounded by socioeconomic conditions?

Objectives  

As smoking and unhealthy diet are more prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups, this study aims at exploring whether associations between smoking and fruit and vegetable consumption are confounded by socioeconomic conditions or if smoking is independently associated with consumption.     

Different effects of BCG strains – A natural experiment evaluating the impact of the Danish and the Russian BCG strains on morbidity and scar formation in Guinea-Bissau

BackgroundDifferent Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine strains may have different non-specific effects. We assessed the effect of two BCG strains (Danish and Russian) on childhood morbidity and BCG scarification in Guinea-Bissau.MethodsDuring 2011–2013, infants in the Bandim Health Project’s urban study area received the Danish or Russian BCG in a natural experiment. Health center consultations were registered at point of care and scar status and size at age 4½ months. We assessed the effect of strain on consultation rates between vaccination and age 45 days in Cox proportional hazards models. Scar prevalence and size were compared using binomial regression and ranksum tests.ResultsAmong 1206 children, 18% received Danish BCG (n = 215) and 82% Russian BCG (n = 991). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for consultations was 0.94 (95% CI 0.60–1.46) for Danish BCG compared with Russian BCG. Girls vaccinated with Danish BCG tended to have lower consultation rates compared with girls vaccinated with Russian BCG (aHR 0.56 (0.25–1.24)), whereas the effect was opposite for boys (aHR 1.24 (0.74–2.11)), p = 0.09. Children vaccinated with Danish BCG were more likely to develop a scar (97%) than children vaccinated with Russian BCG (87%), the relative risk (RR) being 1.11 (1.06–1.16). The effect was stronger in girls, and BCG scar size was larger among infants vaccinated with the Danish strain.ConclusionBCG strain influences scar prevalence and scar size, and may have sex differential effects on morbidity. BCG strains are currently used interchangeably, but BCG scarring has been linked to subsequent survival. Hence, more research into the health effects of different BCG strains is warranted. Small adjustments of BCG production could potentially lower childhood morbidity and mortality at low cost.     

Mitochondrial DNA 5178?C/A polymorphism influences the effects of habitual smoking on the risk of dyslipidemia in middle-aged Japanese men

Background

Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (??-3 PUFAs) have demonstrated to be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, however, the mechanisms by which they perform their cardiovascular protection have not been clarified. Intriguingly, some of these protective effects have also been linked to HDL. The hypothesis of this study was that ??-3 PUFAs could modify the protein cargo of HDL particle in a triglyceride non-dependent mode. The objective of the study was to compare the proteome of HDL before and after ??-3 PUFAs supplemented diet.

Methods

A comparative proteomic analysis in 6 smoker subjects HDL before and after a 5?weeks ??-3 PUFAs enriched diet has been performed.

Results

Among the altered proteins, clusterin, paraoxonase, and apoAI were found to increase, while fibronectin, ??-1-antitrypsin, complement C1r subcomponent and complement factor H decreased after diet supplementation with ??-3 PUFAs. Immunodetection assays confirmed these results. The up-regulated proteins are related to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties of HDL, while the down-regulated proteins are related to regulation of complement activation and acute phase response.

Conclusions

Despite the low number of subjects included in the study, our findings demonstrate that ??-3 PUFAs supplementation modifies lipoprotein containing apoAI (LpAI) proteome and suggest that these protein changes improve the functionality of the particle.     

Does educational level influence the effects of smoking, alcohol, physical activity, and obesity on mortality? A prospective population study

OBJECTIVES: This study aims at examining whether the relation between established risk factors and mortality differs with socioeconomic status as measured by level of education. METHODS: A population-based sample of 14,399 women and 16,236 men aged 20-93 years from Copenhagen was stratified into three educational levels measured as basic schooling, and the effect of smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index, respectively, on mortality was assessed. RESULTS: Those with the lowest level of education were most frequently heavy smokers, heavy drinkers, physically inactive, and obese. During a mean follow up of 16 years 10,952 subjects died. Compared with subjects with the lowest educational level, women with the highest educational level had a relative risk of 0.80 (95% CI; 0.70-0.91), and men of 0.71 (0.65-0.78). Heavy smoking compared with never smoking implied a more than twofold increased risk at all three educational levels among both men and women. The relation between alcohol intake and mortality was J-shaped on all three educational levels. There were decreasing risk functions describing the relations between physical activity and mortality on all three strata. Further, subjects who were either very lean or obese had increased risks of death compared with those of normal weight at all educational levels in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in distribution of the main known risk factors may be part of the explanation for the differences in mortality risk. However, these risk factors seem to influence mortality equally at different educational levels. Therefore, social inequalities in mortality do not seem to be explained only by differences in effect of lifestyle risk factors, but are also related to the social rank or unexamined factors within.     

Synergistic effects of Aroclor® 1254 and mirex on the semen characteristics of American Kestrels

Semen characteristics of captive American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) fed 8 ppm mirex or 33 ppm Aroclor^® 1254, singly or in combination, were compared to a control group. Aroclor^® 1254 produced a decline in sperm concentration but no compensatory increase in semen volume, resulting in a 22–27% decrease in sperm numbers per ejaculate. Mirex produced a marked decline in sperm concentration with a slight compensatory increase in semen volume resulting in a 70% decrease in sperm numbers. The combination of Aroclor^® 1254 and mirex, at the same concentrations as fed singly, decreased sperm concentration to the same level as the Aroclor^® alone with a 73% increase in semen volume, resulting in sperm numbers which did not differ from those of the controls. No effect on sperm motility was observed for any contaminant. Temporal patterns in semen characteristics differed. There was a highly significant interaction effect between Aroclor^® 1254 and mirex. The excretion of mirex was increased in the presence of Aroclor^® 1254, and the combination diet reduced the relative concentration of Aroclor^® in the testes. The testicular mass of the PCBs + mirex group was increased. The results suggest that migratory flesheating birds feeding on a PCB- or mirex-contaminated food chain could consume enough toxicant to alter their semen quality in that breeding season, which, when coupled with altered courtship, could reduce the fertility of eggs and the reproductive fitness of the individual.     

Tablet and phone applications – A reflection on the experience of development

Tablet devices are now ubiquitous. Medical illustrators have the skills to produce a wide range of media content. These devices offer the potential of using their creative abilities in new and exciting ways. There is much to explore. The primary difficulty lies in understanding the necessary computer technical skills to realise a vision.     

The average age of smoking onset in Germany – trends and correlates

Summary Objectives:  Germany is rated among the countries with the highest prevalence of tobacco use in Europe. This paper analyzes whether the age of smoking onset has decreased in recent years. Methods:  Multivariable event data analyses were performed on the basis of the representative national cross-sectional study “Drug Affinity among Young People in the Federal Republic of Germany 2004”. The survey involved a total net sample of 3032 individuals aged 12 to 25. Results:  Socioeconomic groups starting to smoke at significantly earlier age include those from the economically deprived areas in eastern Germany, low educational achievers and subjects in households with adult smokers. Conclusions:  The average age of smoking onset has decreased further in the 1978–1992 birth cohorts. Submitted: 18 November 2006; Revised: 23 January 2008, 18 March 2008; Accepted: 19 March 2008     

Adolescents' smoking behaviors, beliefs on the risks of smoking, and exposure to ETS in Juárez, Mexico

OBJECTIVE: To assess the smoking behaviors, beliefs about the risks of smoking, and exposure to ETS among adolescents in Juárez, Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with sixth-grade students (N=506), aged 11-13 years old, attending 6 randomly selected schools. Schools were classified by school setting and SES. RESULTS: Students attending a low SES school setting were more likely to have smoked (P < 0.01), be current smokers (P < 0.01), be exposed to ETS at home and in public (P < 0.01) than were students attending a middle or high SES school. CONCLUSION: Smoking interventions should target students attending school in low SES settings.     

Put “gender glasses” on the effects of phenolic compounds on cardiovascular function and diseases

Introduction

The influence of sex and gender is particularly relevant in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as well as in several aspects of drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Anatomical and physiological differences between the sexes may influence the activity of many drugs, including the possibility of their interaction with other drugs, bioactive compounds, foods and beverages. Phenolic compounds could interact with our organism at organ, cellular, and molecular levels triggering a preventive action against chronic diseases, including CVD.

Results

This article will review the role of sex on the activity of these bioactive molecules, considering the existence of sex differences in oxidative stress. It describes the pharmacokinetics of phenolic compounds, their effects on vessels, on cardiovascular system, and during development, including the role of nuclear receptors and microbiota.

Conclusions

Although there is a large gap between the knowledge of the sex differences in the phenolic compounds’ activity and safety, and the urgent need for more research, available data underlie the possibility that plant-derived phenolic compounds could differently influence the health of male and female subjects.