Is liquor intoxicating? Scientists,prohibition, and the normalization of drinking.

The reliance of current advocates of recreational drug legalization on parallels between "drug prohibition" and the repudiated experiment of National Prohibition in the 1920s invites renewed attention to the history of the legalization and normalization of drinking. A new scientific conception of the nature and effects of alcohol formed an important element in both the politics of repeal and the ensuing legitimation of alcohol consumption. The industrial toxicologist Yandell Henderson argued that alcohol should be considered analogous to carbon monoxide--clearly a poison, yet a normal part of civilized life and only problematic above a determinable and manageable exposure threshold. This argument had political force in the early 1930s as part of the contention that beer was not an "intoxicating liquor." It was more broadly persuasive because it was consistent with Americans' experience with industrial poisons, for which exposure levels had been set by toxicologists such as Henderson. This historical perspective illuminates the more recent reassessment of the risks of alcohol consumption. It also challenges the applicability of the model of the normalization of drinking to proposals to legalize cocaine and opiates.     

Is Migration Affecting Prevalence,Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension of Men in Kerala,India?

We assessed hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control among male gulf migrant and non-migrant workers in Kerala state of India. We did a cross sectional survey of 191 migrant and 193 non-migrant men aged 25–64 years selected using a multistage random sampling method. Using World Health Organization STEPS approach, we collected information on demographics, STEP 1 variables and measured STEP-2 variables. Multivariate analysis was used to find the relation between migration and hypertension. Age adjusted hypertension prevalence was 57.6 % among migrants and 31.7 % among non-migrants (p < 0.05). Migrants were more likely to be hypertensive (OR 3.00, 95 % CI 1.83–4.94) than non-migrants after adjusting for age, STEP 1 and STEP 2 variables. Though not statistically significant (p = 0.109), awareness of hypertension was lower among migrants (43.5 %) compared to non migrants (56.9 %). Treatment (migrants: 34 %, non-migrants: 53 %, p < 0.05) and control (migrants: 12 %, non-migrants: 48 %, p < 0.001) of hypertension were lower among migrants. Greater attention to improve the treatment and control of hypertension among migrants is warranted in this population.     

A Food,a Bite,a Sip: How Much Allergen Is in That?

Detailed information about the amount of allergenic protein ingested by the patient prior to an allergic reaction yields valuable information for the diagnosis, guidance and management of food allergy. However, the exact amount of ingredients is often not declared on the label. In this study the feasibility was studied for estimating the amount of allergenic protein from milk, eggs, peanuts and hazelnuts in frequently consumed composite and non-composite foods and per bite or sip size in different age groups in the Netherlands. Foods containing milk, egg, peanut or hazelnut most frequently consumed were selected for the age groups 2–3, 4–6 and 19–30 years. If the label did not yield clear information, the amount of allergenic protein was estimated based on food labels. Bite or sip sizes were determined in these age groups in 30 different foods. The amount of allergenic protein could be estimated in 47/70 (67%) of composite foods, which was complex. Estimated protein content of milk, egg, peanut and hazelnut was 2–3 g for most foods but varied greatly from 3 to 8610 mg and may be below threshold levels of the patient. In contrast, a single bite or sip can contain a sufficient amount of allergenic protein to elicit an allergic reaction. Bite and sip sizes increased with age. In every day practice it is hard to obtain detailed and reliable information about the amount of allergenic protein incorporated in composite foods. We encourage companies to disclose the amount of common allergenic foods on their labels.     

Is smoking related to body image satisfaction, stress, and self-esteem in young adults?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of smoking and gender with body image satisfaction, perceived stress, and self-esteem in young adults. METHODS: Respondents completed a survey consisting of Perceived Stress Scale, Body-Areas Satisfaction Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Current smokers (n = 483) and never smokers (n = 973) are included. RESULTS: Smoking and female gender were independently associated with higher perceived stress (P < 0.001). Female gender was associated with lower body image satisfaction and lower self-esteem (P < 0.001). Current smoking was associated with lower self-esteem (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Smoking treatment should include stress management and self-esteem and body image improvement.     

In an Urban Neighborhood,Who Is Physically Active and Where?

Previous research has shown differences in adult physical activity (PA) levels within urban population, in what types of activities they participated, and where they were active. A sample of 514 urban Philadelphia adult residents was surveyed about level and location of PA. A majority (55.6%) of survey participants reported being vigorously or moderately active or walking enough to meet PA guidelines. A significantly higher proportion of men (vs. women), younger (vs. older) adults and people who were employed (vs. unemployed) met the PA guidelines. Most participants (87.5%) reported walking at least once within the previous week, while 79.3% reported engaging in moderate or vigorous activity. Of the participants who reported being moderately or vigorously active, 64.0% were physically active in indoors only, 22.6% were active in outdoors only, and 13.4% were active in both indoors and outdoors. Significantly fewer black women were active outdoors, compared to all other race/sex combinations (odds ratio = 0.43, p-value < 0.01). In this diverse sample of urban residents, outdoor PA was significantly less frequently reported than indoor PA, particularly for Black women. These findings could help inform urban PA interventions.     

Smoking and Diabetes: Is the Association Mediated by Adiponectin,Leptin, or C-reactive Protein?

Background

Although the association between cigarette smoking and risk of type 2 diabetes is well established, its mechanisms are yet to be clarified. This study examined the possible mediating effects of adiponectin, leptin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations on the smoking-diabetes association.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2011, we followed 3338 Japanese workers, aged 35–66 years, who were enrolled in the second Aichi workers’ cohort study. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models to determine the hazard ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between smoking status and risk of diabetes. A multiple mediation model with bootstrapping was used to estimate the magnitude and the respective bias-corrected (BC) 95% CIs of the indirect effects of smoking on diabetes through the three biomarkers.

Results

Relative to never smokers, the risk of diabetes was significantly elevated in current (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.25–2.46) and ex-smokers (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% CI 1.07–2.22). The indirect effects of smoking on diabetes through adiponectin levels were statistically significant among light (point estimate 0.033, BC 95% CI 0.005–0.082), moderate (point estimate 0.044, BC 95% CI 0.010–0.094), and heavy smokers (point estimate 0.054, BC 95% CI 0.013–0.113). In contrast, neither the indirect effects of smoking on diabetes through leptin nor CRP levels were significant, as the corresponding BC 95% CIs included zero.

Conclusions

In our analysis, adiponectin concentration appeared to partially mediate the effect of smoking on diabetes, while leptin and CRP levels did not.Key words: adiponectin, C-reactive protein, leptin, mediation analysis, smoking, type 2 diabetes mellitus     

Is olestra consumption associated with changes in dietary intake,serum lipids,and body weight?

OBJECTIVES: There is considerable controversy regarding the effects of fat substitutes (such as the non-caloric fat substitute, olestra) on Americans' diet and health. This report gives associations of olestra consumption (in savory snacks) with changes in nutrient intake, serum lipid concentrations, and body weight 1 y after these snacks became available nationally in the United States. METHODS: Participants were 1178 adults recruited from three large U.S. cities. At baseline (before the availability of olestra), participants attended a clinic visit and completed questionnaires (including a food-frequency questionnaire), provided fasting blood samples, and had height and weight measured. The clinic visit was repeated about 1 y later, after the introduction of olestra-containing snacks in the marketplace. Olestra consumption was categorized as "none," "very low" (>0 to <0.4 g/d), "low" (>/=0.4 to <2.0 g/d), and "moderate/high" (>/=2.0 g/d). RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of participants reported consuming olestra-containing savory snacks in the preceding month, but only 2% were categorized as moderate/high consumers. Men reported nearly twice as much olestra consumption as women (1.22 versus 0.68 g/d, P = 0.01). Among moderate/high olestra consumers, total energy and carbohydrate intakes increased by 209 kcal/d and 37 g/d, compared with decreases of 87 kcal/d and 14 g/d, respectively, among non-consumers (both Ps for trend = 0.01), corresponding to non-significant changes in percentages of energy from carbohydrate and total fat. Olestra consumption was not associated with statistically significant changes in serum lipids or body weight. CONCLUSIONS: This study found very modest changes in total diet, but no changes in serum lipids or body weight, associated with consumption of olestra-containing savory snacks. However, the low use of olestra by the study sample limited the ability of this study to detect significant effects.     

Is the physician office the wild, wild west of health care?

Elective, office-based surgery has captured the interest of consumers and, more recently, the attention of state health care regulatory agencies. In most states today, patients can undergo cosmetic surgery, liposuction, endoscopy, colonoscopy, microlaparoscopy, and various other procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia in physician offices even though no regulatory safeguards that would ordinarily benefit patients in accredited or licensed facilities exist. Media accounts of deaths and serious injuries associated with liposuction and anesthesia performed in physician offices resulted in legislative and regulatory initiates, such as those in California and New Jersey. Increased regulatory oversight, changes in patterns of reimbursement, and greater consumer awareness of safety and quality-of-care issues should aid in reducing the risks of office-based surgery.     

Is health a labour,citizenship or human right? Mexican seasonal agricultural workers in Leamington,Canada

Post-North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) trade liberalisation combined with post-9/11 border securitisation means North America increasingly relies on pools of temporary foreign labour, particularly in the agricultural and service sectors. Despite being temporary, these workers often spend most of their years on foreign soil, living and working in isolated rural communities, far from their own families and communities. Migrants' mental and physical health suffers due to hazardous and stressful working conditions, sub-standard housing, lack of social support and limited access to health and social welfare services. Assuming access to health is a basic human right, who is responsible for the health of temporary foreign migrant workers? Is it the nation-state? or the Employers and/or unions? or Civil society? Research and practice show that a combined multisector approach is best; however, such initiatives are often uneven due to questions of sovereignty and citizenship rights. Community-based organisations (CBOs) have emerged to advocate for and serve migrants' social and welfare needs; analysis of CBO projects reveals an uneven application of rights to migrants. Using a comparative case study from Canada, this project contributes to understanding how civil-society helps to activate different types of health care rights for migrants, and to create an informed policy that provides migrant workers with access to a wider range of human and health rights.     

Is Depression Associated with Contraceptive Motivations,Intentions, and Use Among a Sample of Low-Income Latinas?

BackgroundLatinas in the United States experience high rates of unintended pregnancy and low rates of contraception use, yet reasons are not completely understood. Depression is common among pregnant and nonpregnant Latinas; its influence on contraceptive motivations, intentions, and use is understudied.ObjectivesWe sought to 1) describe Latinas' contraceptive motivations, intentions, and use; 2) use structural equation modeling to test associations between depression and contraceptive self-efficacy/motivations/intentions/use; and 3) determine whether associations differ by pregnancy status.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included Latinas ages 15 to 45 recruited from an urban Federally Qualified Health Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Structured surveys were used to collect data regarding depressive symptoms measured using the PHQ-9. All other constructs were measured with previously validated questions. Constructs included contraceptive self-efficacy, positive and negative contraceptive motivations (perceived advantages and disadvantages of using contraception), contraceptive intentions to begin or continue contraception use, and contraceptive methods currently used.ResultsAmong pregnant Latinas, depression was associated with negative motivations (β = 0.16; p < .05), negative motivations were associated with intentions (β = ?0.22; p < .01), and contraceptive self-efficacy was associated with intentions (β = 0.43; p < .001). Among nonpregnant Latinas, contraceptive self-efficacy was associated with intentions (β = 0.78; p < .001) and intentions were associated with use (β = 0.40; p < .05).ConclusionsAmong pregnant Latinas, negative motivations intervene in the association between depression and contraceptive intentions. For nonpregnant Latinas, intentions intervene in the association between self-efficacy and contraceptive use. This study underscores the importance of depression screening during pregnancy and encourages practitioners to target contraceptive motivations to improve contraceptive use.     

Is 3D printing safe? Analysis of the thermal treatment of thermoplastics: ABS,PLA, PET,and nylon

The fast development of low-cost desktop three-dimensional (3D) printers has made those devices widely accessible for goods manufacturing at home. However, is it safe? Users may belittle the effects or influences of pollutants (organic compounds and ultrafine particles) generated by the devices in question. Within the scope of this study, the authors attempt to investigate thermal decomposition of the following commonly used, commercially available thermoplastic filaments: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon. Thermogravimetric analysis has shown the detailed thermal patterns of their behavior upon increasing temperature in neutral atmosphere, while GC analysis of organic vapors emitted during the process of heating thermoplastics have made it possible to obtain crucial pieces of information about the toxicity of 3D printing process. The conducted study has shown that ABS is significantly more toxic than PLA. The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) has been in the range of 0.50 µmol/h. Styrene has accounted for more than 30% of total VOC emitted from ABS, while for PLA, methyl methacrylate has been detected as the predominant compound (44% of total VOCs emission). Moreover, the authors have summarized available or applicable methods that can eliminate formed pollutants and protect the users of 3D printers. This article summarizes theoretical knowledge on thermal degradation of polymers used for 3D printers and shows results of authors’ investigation, as well as presents forward-looking solutions that may increase the safety of utilization of 3D printers.     

Is the rate of biological aging,as measured by age at diagnosis of cancer,socioeconomically patterned?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that biological aging, as measured by age at diagnosis of some common cancers, is socioeconomically patterned. DESIGN: A cross sectional analysis of the association between an area based measure of material deprivation and age at diagnosis of four common cancers (breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers). A further analysis, restricted to breast and colorectal cancer, adjusted for stage and grade of cancer at diagnosis. SETTING: The Northern and Yorkshire cancer registry and information service, Northern and Yorkshire region, UK. PARTICIPANTS: All people living in the Northern and Yorkshire region diagnosed with breast, prostate, colorectal, or lung cancer in 1986-1995. All people living in the Northern and Yorkshire region diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancer in 1998-2000 with data on stage and grade of cancer at diagnosis. MAIN RESULTS: There was evidence that greater material deprivation was associated with younger age at diagnosis of cancer in prostate (beta coefficient -0.073), colorectal (women: -0.042; men: -0.063), and lung cancer (women: -0.214; men: -0.161). The opposite association was found in women with breast cancer (0.149). Adjusting for stage and grade at incidence, where possible, had little effect on the magnitude of the beta coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: Age at diagnosis of some common cancers seems to be socioeconomically patterned with people from more deprived areas being diagnosed with prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers earlier in life. The opposite was seen in women with breast cancer. Further work is required to investigate the socioeconomic distribution of more accurate measures of biological aging.